Daily Bible Reading – Ephesians 1-4
Today’s Key Passage – Ephesians 4:25-32
Everyone gets angry. Events unfold that make us feel anger. People say things to us or about us that make us feel anger. Feeling angry at some degree or another is basically unavoidable, but how we deal with that anger is what really defines us. When it comes to dealing with anger, we have a few different paths we can take. We can let the anger overtake us causing us to explode in a fit of emotion. Obviously, this is not the way to go. We can sit on our anger and bottle it up inside, which will lead to bitterness. This bitterness will eventually lead to hatred if gone unchecked. This too, is not the way to go. Paul tells us in today’s key passage that the best way to effectively deal with anger is to deal with it immediately in a way that builds relationships instead of breaking them. When someone makes you feel anger, do not blow up at them and say things you do not really mean to hurt them. Do not just walk away from the situation stewing with anger, as this bitterness will eventually start to wear you down. The best course of action is to talk to the person that caused you anger immediately. Explain the situation IN LOVE. Express how you feel about the situation without allowing the situation to escalate. Try to find some common ground with the person, and try to find a way to alleviate the anger.
Of course, all of this is much easier said than done. So how do we really accomplish all of this? Practically speaking, how can we begin to start dealing with our anger in a healthy way instead of a harmful way? Like everything else in this life, the answer is found in Jesus Christ. At the first feelings of anger towards a person, immediately remind yourself that God made this person exactly as he is. Remind yourself that God loves this person exactly as much as He loves you. Remind yourself that this person is one of God’s children…just as you are. In addition, remember that God has forgiven everything you have ever done. By His grace, he has forgiven and forgotten all of your past indiscretions regardless of what they were. He does not hold a grudge against you. If He is able to forgive you for the worst thing you have ever done through His Son Jesus Christ, surely the least you can do is forgive this person for what he did. Pray for God to help you to forgive this person, and to help you feel love for this person. Finally, talk to the person calmly about the situation. These practical steps have helped me start to deal with anger in a much more productive way. For me, it becomes a lot harder to be angry with someone after I go through these steps above. When I think of Christ first, the severity of the situation always begins to decrease and my anger goes along with it. I pray that you will try these things the next time anger arises in your life, and I hope that in those situations you can find the strength to be a peacemaker.
During your Bible reading today, what “key passages” stood out to you? Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you about His Word today.
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May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you today.
