Like a city whose walls are broken down is one with no control over his temper. Proverbs 25:28, TLV
What NOT to Do When Angry. Anger. Just like a city without protection, the aftermath of losing our temper leaves us vulnerable. In most cases, the rubble around us is disunity, hurt feelings, and distrust. When we lose our tempers with co-workers or loved ones — even if we believe we’re in the right — until we take the time to repair the damage to relationships, we’re open to attacks. Because our exposure can allow the enemy to rob, steal, and destroy all parties involved, including us.
Natural Emotion
Anger experts describe the emotion as a primary, natural emotion which surfaces as a way of surviving and protecting ourselves from what is considered a wrong doing.
There are times when anger is necessary, but we need to be disciplined in how we show that anger. Likewise, our actions during those times need to be tempered with great wisdom. Like today’s proverb, we need to have control over our temper.
What NOT to Do
Here’s what I’ve learned over the years to NOT do:
- Let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26).
- Seek to intentionally harm the other party with reckless words. (Proverbs 12:18)
- Forget that we care and love the other party.
- Seek to win at any cost.
- Forget that God has forgiven us.
If we can exercise control of our temper, the breakthroughs
will come in areas of wisdom, maturity, and reconciliation. We’ll spend less time repairing damage and more time building unity.
Think More About It
How has anger made you vulnerable? What did you learn?
Until tomorrow, may we exercise control, my friends.
Praying for Israel
Be still before ADONAI [the LORD] and wait patiently for Him.
Do not fret over one prospering in his way,
over one carrying out wicked schemes.
Put away anger and turn from wrath.
Do not fret—it only leads to doing evil.
For evildoers will be cut off,
but those who wait for ADONAI—
they will inherit the land. Psalm 37:7-9, TLV
In the heat of battle, it is difficult to exercise control. Waiting patiently for God’s direction can be even more difficult. As the climate in Israel changes, Israel must do just that—exercise control and wait patiently. No question we all need to pray for this. So, let’s do that today, yes? God bless you.
