Be Slow to Anger: Realistic Expectations

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Today's Scripture
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV

Thoughts for Today
God calls us to be slow to anger. This week we are looking at actions that will help us do just that. One important step is to think through our response by being rational and less emotional. Spend time sorting out irrational beliefs. Tell yourself the truth about people and situations. No one is ever wrong or right all the time.

It is wrong to expect others to always be happy and helpful. People do get sick, tired, and stressed. Sometimes there are reasons for their behavior that we know nothing about—contrary to what we might think, they might not be acting selfishly or thoughtlessly. We need to remember that everyone and everything does not exist for our convenience or purpose.

You will control anger better if you do not say I can't stand this … or They should or shouldn't do this … or They better never … This type of statement locks you into emotionalizing rather than thinking.

Consider this …
Align yourself with reality and do not let everything bother you to the point that you "lose it" every time over normal failures we all have and experience as a result of being imperfect and having a fallen, sinful nature. This does not mean we do not deal with the reality of sin and wrongdoing, but to be "slow to anger" means we are relating to life through self-control, grace, and understanding.

Prayer
Father, I know I sometimes have unrealistic expectations of others and react in frustration and anger when they don't do what I think they should. Sometimes I don't look beyond fault to need. Please forgive me and teach me to walk in your love and be slow to anger.
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