Be kind and compassionate
To one another.
Ephesians 4:32
~
Sometimes, anger is surprising. I do not often become angry, but recently something happened that made me furious. I have found it helpful to have a plan of what I will do when I experience the emotion of anger.
This is my plan:
1. Be silent.
2. Walk away from the person or situation.
3. Go to a private location with my Bible and journal.
4. Read my Bible and write in my journal.
5. Pray (for myself, the other person and for God’s perspective).
6. When I am calm, discuss the situation.
I opened my Bible to read Ephesians 4, looking for the verse, “In your anger, do not sin.” The verse I found was, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). What struck me about this verse is its close proximity to the verses about anger. We are called to be kind and compassionate even when we are angry. This is my goal, even though I am not always successful.
The situation that caused me to be angry was resolved quickly because God helped me to be calm and the other person involved responded to me with kindness when I shared my feelings.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit…. Ephesians 4:4
Thanks! I think this is the key to not sinning in our anger. If you have a plan of action BEFORE you are angry then let God take care of the rest!
so young, so full of wisdom, thank you for sharing. !
Thank you for choosing to share your insights about a subject that touches all of us at one time or another. You never know who will be blessed along the way.
@ AA
I think having a plan helps in a lot of situations.
@ Carol
Thanks for the reminder that 40 is young.
@ Allison
Thanks for your encouragement to “swallow my pride” and share.
Read Allison’s thoughts about pride here:
(first comment)
https://spacious4him.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/willing/
Great advice on handling anger! What a powerful force to be dealt with. I think anger is really the initial reaction when we feel hurt by another person’s actions. I try to exercise the 24 hour rule. No action allowed regarding my anger until 24 hours goes by and I pray. We also have a free resource on our website called “Digging out a Root of Bitterness.”
@ Dianne
I like the 24 hour rule!
Here is a direct link to the free resources at “Amazing Marriages”.
http://amazingmarriages.com/free-stuff.htm
I highly recommend these resources.