Be Slow to Anger: Don’t Deny It!

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Today's Scripture
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20 NIV

Thoughts for Today
The Bible clearly states that we are to practice being slow to anger. This simple admonition means we can work with angry feelings, not just bury them or release them in bursts of temper. This week we will be looking at five steps to help us control the episodes of anger that come into our lives.

The first step involves acknowledging feelings of anger and accepting them. Describe your feelings (to yourself). I am irritated. I am angry. I am furious. Determine the level and intensity of these feelings: a little upset, moderately upset, or terribly upset. Get honest with your anger. Admit you are losing control.

At this point don't be critical of your feelings as to their being right or wrong but look at your feelings and think of them as you would a temperature gauge on the dash of your automobile. The gauge light comes on, and it is red indicating that the engine is overheated. Don't try to determine the cause of the malfunction or try to fix it at this point. Just observe the warning light. It's overheated! Just acknowledge the fact.

Consider this …
This is the principle of the first step in controlling your anger. Just acknowledge and accept the fact of feeling angry—don't bury your feelings … or blurt out a hasty response that you will regret. "Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

Prayer
Father, help me to be slow to anger. When feelings of anger begin to build, help me to acknowledge them. And help me to refrain from instantly blurting out an angry response that I will probably regret. In Jesus' name …

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©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org