There are things which add to life and that which takes away from it. When we consider what we allow to consume us — attitudes held, feelings we harbor, thoughts we dwell on, etc. — do they contribute healthily or negatively to our emotional and spiritual wellbeing? Certainly, there are things which impact us which are outside our control, but how we react or respond is up to us. Someone has said, “For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” (original source unknown)
Anger is a feeling we were created with the ability to experience. It has its place because we should be duly struck by that which is not right. However, rather than allowing anger to control us, we need to learn to control it. Cain is an example of one who allowed unjustified anger to master him (Genesis 4:6-7), and he took it out on his brother.
Do we wonder at times why with some individuals a simple annoyance can throw them into a rage while others are able to maintain a sense of self-control and simply work through it or brush it off? When feelings of anger arise, the need is to quickly stop and take a minute to give due consideration to an appropriate response before we lose a minute.
As James urged. . .
“(19)Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; (20) for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20 ESV)
Most often a minute of uncontrolled anger results in more than a loss of sixty seconds of happiness since the feelings of rage tend to linger long after their expression. May God help us to maintain self-control when the feelings of anger arise and so produce the righteousness God desires to be exhibited in our life!
Have a great day LEARNING TO BE QUICK TO BE SLOW TO ANGER!
Carl
