Anger: October 6, 2009

TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY OCTOBER 6, 2009

ANGER

Defined by Webster:

A strong feeling of displeasure aroused by a real or supposed wrong; wrath; a sudden violent displeasure accompanied by an impulse to retaliate; insults that provoke a burst of anger.

GODS WORD

The Lord is merciful and gracious; slow to anger, and abounding in mercy."
Psalm 103:8


"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you."
Ephesians 4:31

WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE

It takes an unusual temperament for a person not to show ANGER at some point in his or her life. One of the concepts we attempted to teach our children, using verses from the Bible, was that when one was angry he or she never came out a winner. Families constantly face moments that can bring on anger. Parents get upset at children over an issue. Children get upset with parents over set boundaries. Children get upset at their siblings over "things". And husbands and wives get upset at each other over small and large concerns.


The scripture gives us clear guidelines as to how we should handle those "ANGRY MOMENTS." In Proverbs 17:27 it reads: "He who has knowledge spares his word". This means that we need to keep to ourselves opinions that we know could ignite anger in others. Certain personalities have trouble with this concept because just by their nature they want to stir up conflict. It is human nature to want to "have the last word." We must learn to think before we speak and remember God's admonition from Proverbs [above] to SPARE OUR WORDS.

In Proverbs 17:27 the Lord gives us another concept. "A man of understanding is of a calm spirit". This verse gives us counsel concerning the emotional side of anger. A mature person, one that lives by God's Word, always exhibits understanding by keeping cool in a time of conflict. Problem solving is always enhanced by an even tempered approach. The key to controlling anger is to STOP when a conflict begins and ask God for a calm spirit and a clear mind. The best time to stop an argument is before it starts. Remember "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" Proverbs 15:1.

TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER

Thank You, dear Lord, for giving to me this day self control in all of my words and deeds.
Help me to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life today and may others see in me the Fruits of the Spirit controlling my life. Help me to honor God, my family, my neighbors and my friends today in all that I do and say.