The Anger Management

Do not say, “I cannot help having a bad temper.” Friend, you must help it. Pray God to help you to overcome it at once; for either you must kill it, or it will kill you. You cannot carry a bad temper into heaven.
-Charles H. Spurgeon-

In my journey as a Christian, I have encountered many obstacles. One of the most difficult of these has been “The Anger Management” – a combination of The Rage, The Attitude, and The Bad Temper that have hindered my growth and development. Despite my efforts to manage them, I have been unable to do so. This has been incredibly destructive to my spiritual life, preventing me from advancing as quickly as I’d like.

I have tried to confront these issues head-on but have found myself unable to break through. I have prayed, done Bible study, and sought counseling, but none of these have yielded tangible results. It has been an incredibly difficult road that has tested my faith and perseverance.

I am determined to overcome this obstacle and move forward in my Christian Walk. Doing so will require me to be diligent in my efforts and to rely on the Lord for strength and guidance. With His help, I am confident that I can conquer The Anger Management and continue my spiritual growth and development.

Proverbs 8:13 – The Living Bible 
If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind.

Today, I want to share a confession with you: when life isn’t going my way, I can get easily agitated. I often react before I think, and this can lead to feeling overwhelmed and confused. I can become angry and lash out, saying and doing things that I later regret. This cycle of frustration and disappointment not only steals my joy, but it also affects the people around me. I’m working on being more mindful in how I respond to difficult times, and I’m slowly learning to pause and think before I act. By doing this, I’m hoping to break this cycle of anger and hurt, and to make the most of the opportunity’s life brings.

For a long time, I felt completely powerless over my behavior. I was struggling with my inner turmoil and my outbursts were seemingly unstoppable. I was convinced that I was without hope and beyond help. Then I encountered Jesus Christ, and my life was forever altered. His love and grace filled me with newfound hope and courage. He gave me a sense of freedom from my inner battles and enabled me to take control of my life. I was able to break free from my sinful behavior and gain a newfound hope for the future. I was no longer held back by my past mistakes, and I was no longer defined by them. 

Despite my best efforts, I realized I hadn’t changed as much as I hoped after investing so much time and energy into changing my behavior and outlook. I was stuck in a cycle of feeling like I was making progress and then realizing that I had not changed as much as I would have liked. I was discouraged and frustrated, and it seemed like no matter how hard I tried, I could not escape my old habits and tendencies.  I prayed to God for help and guidance, and He showed me that I needed to take an active role in my spiritual transformation. I needed to make a conscious effort to choose righteousness and to strive for holiness. I had to be intentional about my thought life, my words, and actions.

I’m deeply thankful for the Lord’s grace and mercy, which has taken away so many of my struggles and sins. His kindness and patience have been a great comfort to me. But I’m still struggling to let go of my anger. I know it is wrong and keeps me from fully surrendering to Him. I’m trying to find ways to address the anger that I feel and move away from it. I’m praying for His help to do that and for a better understanding of how to live in His grace. I’m thankful for the hope that He gives me and for His continued work in my life. I understand the struggle to let go of something that has been weighing me down. It can be hard to release it and move on, but I know that it is possible with God’s help. I have faith that He will give me the strength and courage to finally give it to Him so I can be free of it. I must learn to trust in the Lord and know that He is capable of helping me in this situation. I am praying for the Lord to provide me with the ability to give it over to Him and to be free from it. I know He can do it, and I am trusting in Him.

I have asked myself many times why I haven’t been able to give my anger to God and why He hasn’t worked to change it. It has been a difficult process for me to surrender my anger to Him and to let it go. I think the reason I struggle to do this is because I find a certain comfort in being in control of my anger. I feel like I can influence the way it manifests and how I respond to it, instead of relying solely on God to take it away. However, I know that whatever I can do to control my anger is only a temporary solution and that I should ultimately rely on God to help me with it. I need to surrender my anger to Him and allow Him to work His will on it. 

Having control over something can give you a feeling of superiority and power. Sometimes it is necessary to indulge in what can be called ‘works of pride’. However, it is important to remember that having control can be beneficial, but it should not be an excuse to be arrogant or overbearing. Having control can be empowering, but it is important to know when it is appropriate and when it is not. 

James 1:19-20 – New American Standard Bible 
​This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

When I become angry, I’m filled with a sense of defeat and failure as a Christian. I know I’m supposed to be an example of the faith I have professed and yet I find myself losing my temper and going into what can only be described as a rage. When I’m seen in those moments by those who know me as a Christian, I can only imagine the thoughts that must go through their minds – they must think I’m a ‘fake Christian’, and I wonder why I let it get to this point. I must remember that I’m still capable of choosing how I respond to situations, and that it’s not too late to make a different decision. By taking a few moments to pause and think through the consequences of my actions, I can take a step back from the anger and evaluate the situation with a more level head. It’s not easy – I’m not perfect and I’m still learning – but I’m determined to strive to be better and to be the best example of a Christian I can be.

It is only in this way that I can remain true to my faith and the Christian label I wear. I must strive daily to be the best example of my faith that I can be. That is the only way to truly represent the Christian title I have been given.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – English Standard Version
1- But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2– For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3– heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4– treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5– having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

“It is said that anger is evil, and sin is against God’s Will. That is why God wants us to be like His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Light reveals what has been hidden in darkness and it also provides good vibes that are needed for the giving of life. Darkness, however, refers to all that is against God. This is why the Apostle John says in 1 John 1:5, “God is Light: in Him there is no darkness at all!”

Isaiah 9:2 – English Standard Version
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

“There is light nearby wherever shadows fall.”

Even though it didn’t happen often, I had a tendency to lose control when my wife and I would argue. I once overdid the drama to the point where my wife reacted angrily and referred to me as a “drama queen,” which I must admit was a little embarrassing. Although it was painful to hear, I can’t deny that I was partly to blame for my actions. I can understand why she would call me out on it. Fortunately, our disagreements were infrequent, and we were still able to uphold our loving bond.

Every time I believe someone is taking advantage of me, I experience a deep sense of anger that flares up. It always seems to make me angry, whether it’s when people disregard the worth of my work or my ability to make my own decisions. It can be difficult for me to remember that I have the freedom to choose my own path and carry out my desires because I still feel the need to seek approval. It can be very upsetting and causes me to feel deeply angry; to feel like I have no control over the decisions I make. I am aware that I have the freedom to do as I please, but that doesn’t make me feel any better. My first reaction is typically to become angry when my self-worth is questioned or when I don’t feel valued or respected for my efforts. I feel as though my efforts are being ignored and undervalued, and my self-worth is under attack. This anger is typically accompanied by frustration and a sense of helplessness. I struggle with emotional self-control and frequently feel trapped and taken advantage of. Additionally, I struggle to comprehend why I don’t get the attention or praise I believe I merit.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – Contemporary English Version 
12- My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord. 13 Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other.

My job is a further trigger for my Anger Management. My anger is triggered on some days when I am performing most of the work at my job, including dealing with customers, writing checks, ordering parts, and taking phone calls, while my boss is seated at his desk and playing on his cell phone. He is able to relax while I feel like I am the only one working. Numerous times, when I’ve seen a vehicle pull into the lot or a customer approaching the door, I’ve pretended to be working on something else or left the area where I was working so that he would have to get up and attend to the customer. I want to make sure that my boss will be forced to put his cellphone down and stand up to attend to the customer in order to really get my point across and get his attention. It is my way of getting my own little revenge, while also making an important statement about the way that we should treat each other in the workplace. Then, perhaps, he will truly comprehend the seriousness of my message and the amount of work I am putting in. The most effective way for me to express my frustration at having to do so much work may be to have an emotional outburst, but I must respect my boss because he is still my superior.

Perhaps my wife was right when she said I was a Drama Queen.

As a Christian, I strive to be an example for not only myself but for my Creator. I know that the decisions I make and the way I conduct myself reflect on Him, which is why I want to make sure I’m honoring Him in all I do. This means being diligent in my work, thoughtful in my words, and striving to show people like my boss, that I’m a person of integrity and responsibility. I want to be sure that I’m living my life in a way that is pleasing to God and that I’m constantly striving to be the best version of myself that I can be.

Living according to our faith is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. We must strive to be the best example of our faith, and to lead others to a closer relationship with God. By doing this, we can show others the power of faith, and how it can bring peace, love, and joy into our lives. I also understand the importance of respecting the beliefs of others, regardless of their faith. My boss respects my beliefs and my faith and is supportive of me as a follower and believer. But when I act like a child and throw tantrums, does he still have the right to condemn my spirituality, faith, and personal development? My boss respects and understands me, but I can’t help but feel like I am making him uncomfortable. It is understandable if he sees me as a hypocrite if I act in a way that goes against my professed beliefs. When faced with this situation, it is important to think of what Jesus would do. Would He be dramatic, or would He try to understand? Would He respect the other person, or would He simply tell them off? It is important to remember that, even in difficult situations, we should strive to act Christ-like. This means showing respect, understanding, and forgiveness. We should not be quick to judge or act in a way that is counter to our faith. This can be difficult, but it is necessary to ensure that we maintain the standards of Christian behavior.

As we mature in Christ, people can perceive us differently. We are no longer living the way we once did as followers of Jesus Christ. Now that He is the center of our lives, He is reflected in everything we do. Our declaration of faith has given Christ’s light a chance to shine within us. Our lives are now devoted to doing everything we can to glorify Him and live for Him. The glorious light of Jesus has replaced the darkness in which we previously existed. It is clear from how we see ourselves right now that the Lord is at work within us. He is reshaping, altering, and creating us from scratch. The gift of being a “New Creation” in Him has been given to us.

Luke 11: 33-36 – English Standard Version
33– “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.”

Being portrayed as someone who is easily enraged, speaks in profane, vulgar, or lewd terms, or points the finger at someone who cuts them off in traffic, is not an accurate representation of a Christian. When someone yells at you or makes an accusation against you, do you respond by yelling and calling them names? Do you turn to sin as a release for your stress or feelings of overwhelm? Are you the type of person who uses wine or alcohol to manage their anger? Do you enjoy watching or listening to inappropriate media? Do you enjoy spreading rumors and stirring up trouble? Or are you more of a Drama Queen? In today’s society, these kinds of conduct are all too typical.

A Christian should be seen as someone who demonstrates mercy, patience, and loving kindness. They should be regarded as someone who is a friend to all, loves their neighbor as themselves, and puts others before themselves. It’s critical to keep in mind that your actions shape how others see you.

Ephesians 4:31-32 – Christian Standard Bible
31–Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. 

When I first began to write this story about controlling your anger, I had a very particular scenario in mind. Things were said that had brought me to the verge of breaking, and my wife and I were having a particularly trying day. I was aware that if I persisted, I would probably lose my temper and end up regretting it. I made the decision to back up, take a few deep breaths, and allow my temper to subside. I would have caused my wife a great deal of emotional distress if I had expressed what I was feeling at the time. I made the decision to remain silent because I was aware that speaking up would have been hurtful on both a verbal and emotional level. Even though it was difficult to keep my feelings to myself, I knew it was the best decision at that time. 

“The sender can easily forget what they said once they said it, especially if they spoke without thinking or exercising caution, but the recipient will never forget.”

If you are the type of person who likes to apologize, then you are fortunate if they tell you that they forgive you. But unfortunately, forgetting what you said or did to them is not a realistic expectation. Words and actions can leave a mark on someone’s feelings and heart that can never be repaired or forgotten. It is important to remember this when you apologize, as you may never be able to undo the damage that has been done.

We don’t get angry with each other often, but when I do, it’s usually about things that, at the time, seem very important. My ego can take over when I’m so convinced of my point of view that I’m convinced I’m right. My wife would usually respond with words that aggravated me even more, but they frequently give me a dose of reality that I desperately needed. I feel like I get smacked in the face, which helps me remember what’s really important and brings me out of my rage. Even though she may have said it in jest, her words still carry a message. It serves as a reminder that, as Christians, we are expected to spread the gospel, be witnesses to it, and defend our convictions. We must not conduct our lives in a way that discredits Christ. We are to be living proof of His power, examples of His mercy and grace, and a source of love and compassion for everyone. We must take this responsibility seriously. She reminds me that it is my responsibility to live in accordance with His Word and exalt His name when she says, “Yeah, now go and preach and tell everyone what a great Christian you are!”

I want to demonstrate God’s love to my unsaved wife by the way I live my life. For her to understand what a life devoted to God looks like, I want her to be able to use the church, my small group, my hope group, and my ministry as examples.

I am incredibly fortunate to be married to such a wonderful woman. She can be timid and uneasy, but her heart is always filled with compassion and love. Her laugh and smile are some of the most beautiful things I have ever seen, and her passion for life is unmatched. She never fails to ensure that our home is decorated for any special occasion. She is incredibly smart and creative. She enjoys making crafts and frequently has something innovative and intriguing planned. God gave me this woman, and I am so appreciative of her. She is a wonderful blessing to my family and I, and I am grateful for her. I love taking long drives with my wife because she is the love of my life. When we are watching a TV show or a movie, she often becomes emotional, and while I occasionally make fun of her for it, I always do so in a loving manner. She is committed to being a devoted and caring presence in our two boys’ lives as their mother. She is a truly remarkable woman, and I am so grateful to have her in my life.

I love making her laugh, and I love seeing her happy. Although I enjoy cooking for her, my love for her goes even farther. More than that, I cherish hearing and seeing her expression when she is full and unable to eat any more food. I try to be an excellent support in her life as her husband. Although I’m not afraid to tease her tears when she cries after watching a movie or TV show, I also find it joyful when she cries excessively after listening to one of my written stories, podcasts, or testimony. I can tell that she is my biggest supporter. She sobs because my art has moved her. I’m fortunate to have such a passionate supporter, friend, and partner.

We have our issues as a couple. It may be tempting to lose your temper and demand more fairness and respect. However, doing so will only widen our differences and not lead to a solution. We need to acknowledge the other person’s feelings and prioritize their needs over our own. “We need to acknowledge the other person’s feelings and prioritize their needs over our own.“

For instance, why not take advantage of the opportunity to show love and share the Gospel with my partner if I sense that I am about to become upset because she won’t let me watch something on TV? Putting another person’s feelings before our own can be challenging, but doing so is crucial to our relationship. We must respect one another and prioritize each other’s needs. Instead of dividing us further, doing so will bring us closer together. It’s important to keep in mind that she hasn’t been saved yet. We must not lose sight of the fact that she is still in need of Jesus’ atoning blood. Wouldn’t it be better if I demonstrated to her the love of Jesus rather than losing my temper and having to confront her?

Ephesians 5:25-26 – Christian Standard Bible 
25- Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word.

Ephesians 5:22-23 – Christian Standard Bible
22- Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, 23 because the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body.

It is our sacred duty as husbands to adore our wives in the same way that Jesus adored the church. Despite the harm the church caused Him, Jesus gave himself up for it. He loved without conditions or hesitation. In our own marriages, we ought to strive to imitate this kind of love. We ought to have only sincere and selfless intentions when we love our wives. Our interpersonal interactions ought to reflect Jesus’ unwavering love. It is crucial to keep in mind that the Lord holds us responsible for how we treat our spouses. We must always make sure to look after our wives and treat them with the respect and love they deserve.

My wife may or may not have noticed the changes I’ve gone through in my life recently, but I truly hope that she has and that she understands that I’m no longer the same person I used to be. I’ve had the opportunity to be different because of God’s grace, and I think it has made me a better person. Since I am not perfect, I don’t anticipate ever being perfect. I may never be a perfect husband, father, or man, but I try to be the best version of myself that I am capable of being. I have faith in an all-powerful Creator who is perfect, and I live my life in his service. I will always be indebted to Him for His grace and mercy, and I strive to do everything in His honor. 

Even though I know I will never be perfect, my wife still chose to marry me. But I’ve always had a strong love for her and would sacrifice anything for her. For as long as I have the ability, I will do everything in my power to take care of her and meet her needs.

Ephesians 5:20-21 – The Living Bible 
20 Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Honor Christ by submitting to each other.

I must always try to live in a way that honors the One who wrote the script for my life, no matter how challenging that may be. I must keep in mind that my life now reflects the One who has saved me and is no longer my own. I must be vigilant in my efforts to remain true to this transformation, and my actions must be a testament to the change that has taken place within me. I must fight against the temptations of the past and make an effort to follow the instructions of the One who created my life. I can only truly express my gratitude for the mercy and grace that have been shown to me by staying steadfastly devoted to God the Father.

No matter how small a sin may appear, it is still a sin. Evil can easily make people see the slightest of transgressions as the greatest of wrongdoings. This is because sin is sin, regardless of its magnitude. When we say, “see your small sin as your biggest fault,” it is because evil uses our sins to manipulate us and make us feel shame and guilt. It doesn’t matter how small the sin is, because even the smallest sin can have a large impact on us. We must be careful not to let our weaknesses and mistakes be used against us by those who seek to do us harm. When my wife and I get into a heated argument, it may seem like a small thing to me if I tell her to “shut up,” but the reality is that it can have a huge impact on our relationship. It can leave her feeling invalidated and disrespected, and that can be devastating. 

Additionally, it might allow evil forces to attack her. It’s important to understand the power of words and how they can cause great hurt and harm, even though it may not be seen as a sin by some. Even seemingly insignificant things can have a big impact. It’s crucial to realize that it is never appropriate to tell your spouse to “shut up.” It is a sign of anger or hatred and has no place in a committed partnership. I’ve learned to be careful with my words and to avoid using harsh language when I’m around my wife or our boys. The conflict will begin as soon as I do, and I will have to decide whether evil or the Lord will prevail. I need to develop the ability to step back, admit when I’m wrong, and beg for forgiveness.

Being a loving husband and constantly attempting to follow the Lord and His teachings, even when I am wrong, are lessons I have learned from my love for my wife and my relationship with the Lord. I’m grateful for the knowledge the Lord has given me and the peace that comes from relying on Him.

1 Peter 3:7 – Contemporary English Version 
If you are a husband, you should be thoughtful of your wife. Treat her with honor, because she isn’t as strong as you are, and she shares with you in the gift of life. Then nothing will stand in the way of your prayers.

• Think about this difficulty: It can be simple to act without first thinking when we are upset. But pausing for a second and giving the circumstances some thought can really help. We can avoid saying or doing something we’ll later regret if we take the time to pause and think before we act. We need to express ourselves more maturely and show God’s love.

When it comes to marriage, communication is key. Without it, any relationship will struggle to survive. We must strive to improve our communication with one another in order to make our marriage stronger. This requires a conscious effort on our part and a reliance on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength.

The Bible reminds us that the Holy Spirit is our source of wisdom and strength.

In Proverbs 3:5-6, it says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” When it comes to improving communication in your marriage, you must rely on God for guidance.

We must also remember that communication is not just about speaking. It is also about learning to listen to each other. Open communication is not just about expressing our feelings and opinions, but also about understanding our partner’s feelings and opinions. This requires patience and empathy. I understand that it is not appropriate to ignore my wife, go to bed early, or show an angry face when I am mad at her. Instead, I must communicate with her and let her know how I feel in a respectful and composed manner. I believe that I can achieve my goals with both prayer and effort. I am committed to controlling my emotions and communicating with my wife in a civil manner. I realize that this is the best way to ensure a healthy and strong relationship with her.

Any time I find myself in a disagreement or argument, I frequently feel the urge to leave the scene and walk away. I don’t run from the situation because I am aware that this is not how God would want me to handle it; instead, I turn to my faith and my Bible. I enter my office to read the Bible, journal in it, record podcasts and live videos, or work on small-group assignments. This aids me in regaining my composure and gives me the peace I require to approach the situation in a way that God would approve of. Not that I’m trying to avoid the issue; rather, I’m taking a moment to collect my thoughts to determine the best course of action.

Conflict is an inevitable part of life, but it does not have to be a negative experience. When you know you are right about something, it can be tempting to get into heated debates and fights over it. But if you do this with the intention of causing harm or to gain something at someone else’s expense, you are wrong. The best thing to do is to speak your truth in a mature way, without becoming overly aggressive or agitated. This will ensure that any argument or disagreement is kept calm and is more likely to reach a resolution without creating further conflict. 

Any relationship will inevitably experience arguments and fights, but marriage in particular can make it challenging to avoid them. Despite this, there are strategies for minimizing conflicts and disagreements in a relationship. The key is to not ignore the situation, but to talk openly about it and, if necessary, to pray about it. Finding a solution can be challenging, but if both parties are willing to cooperate, the number of disagreements and arguments can be decreased.

Even after being joined in holy matrimony, husbands and wives are still two separate people. Due to their disparities in personality, upbringing, and preferences, disagreements and arguments are unavoidable. Even though there may occasionally be tension and disagreement, their love for one another still exists. In fact, love is developed and strengthened through these moments of conflict.

When I think about it, the old saying “A Happy Wife, A Happy Life” really does have a lot of truth to it. I know that whenever I take the time to show my wife respect, love, and appreciation, she is able to see and feel it. This in turn makes her happy, which in turn brings more happiness into my own life. I can’t deny the fact that treating my wife well has a positive impact on both of our lives. I think it’s important to remember that when we show respect, love, and appreciation to our loved ones, it has a ripple effect that can spread far beyond our own lives.

However, where is the saying or quotation about a Happy Husband? Something happy, like a happy husband, blah! blah! blah! There is no such proverb, and the reason for this is that men are expected to be strong, to provide for their families and to be the head of the household. Our families need us to be devoted and loving even though we were not created to be perfect. A happy home begins with a happy husband, so we must work to be the best fathers and husbands we can be.

1 Timothy 3: 1-7 — New International Version 
1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

Because of my bipolar disorder and depression, I frequently struggle with controlling my anger. I had a great deal of unresolved issues before I was born-again and saved by grace. But I’ve discovered that Abba Father is always there to guide me back to tranquility. The fact that I am a Christian does not imply that I am faultless, as I have come to realize. I’m still a sinner at heart, and I’m easily tempted to commit sin again. “I have sinned, will sin again,” I have said before, and I will say it once more. Despite this, I firmly believe that Abba Father will continue to give me the courage and direction I need to develop into a mature adult.

I need to implement the following three steps as a starting point:

• The first thing I need to do is submit my anger to the Lord, trusting and having the Faith that He will handle it. This can be done through prayer – asking for God to take away the feelings of anger and bitterness that I am feeling, and to restore peace in my heart.

• Secondly, I must learn to pray, not only for myself, but also for the person whom the issue, quarrel, or conflict is against. When I feel I want to yell, scream, swear or even say something that I might regret, I must pray for that person. I must pray for them to experience the love and grace of the Lord, and to be blessed with the peace and comfort of His presence.

• Lastly, is to love, as the Lord continued to love the church even when it failed Him. We must never stop loving, even when we are feeling hurt, angry, or betrayed. We must strive to forgive as He forgave us, and to show compassion as He showed us. We must continue to pray for the other person, and to trust that the Lord will intervene and bring healing and reconciliation.

As Jesus Christ hung on the cross, do you remember the cry He made to God?

Luke 23:34 – New International Version
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

The example set by Jesus Christ of being able to forgive and still love those who have wronged Him is one that all of humanity should strive to emulate. It’s a lesson that could help us to break the cycle of grudges, hatred, and harsh tempers that can be so damaging to relationships and to our own peace of mind. After all, if Jesus can forgive those who have wronged Him, why can’t we find it within ourselves to do the same? 

It’s crucial to keep in mind that this is not just about me. It can be a great witness to others if I can do something that also demonstrates to others that I am living in Christ. If my spouse, family, or anyone else can see that I am living in accordance with His teachings, it will greatly aid in guiding them to Him.

I am fortunate to have a clear sense of my life’s purpose and mission. I am aware that everything I do, including my work, is ultimately a part of something much greater than myself—my calling to serve and follow Jesus Christ. I try to live my life for something greater than just myself. Jesus Christ, the Light of our World, is who I want to live for, with, and through.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. But if you ask me, I would much rather have a life filled with love, forgiveness, and praise than one filled with feelings of displeasure and constant discord.

In conclusion, we must all immediately give the Lord control of our anger. By doing this, we can sense His comforting presence and His love, which will calm our rage, retaliation, hostility, and hatred and envelop us in calmness, gentleness, love, and forgiveness. It is our responsibility as the Lord’s followers to love our enemies more than we love ourselves. By doing this, we can develop a softer heart and develop our ability to love them more. By doing this, we can be confident that the Lord is always with us, directing us and assisting us in choosing the best course of action.

We must ask ourselves, “How can we change if we are not living as Christ commands us to? How can we try to set an example for those around us that resembles Jesus?”

To truly reflect the love of Christ, we must be prepared to set aside our own prejudices and treat others the way we want to be treated. We must allow God access to our hearts and work to discern His will for our lives. By doing this, we can emulate Jesus Christ perfectly and serve as a beacon for the rest of the world.

Let’s Pray.

Heavenly Father, You are all-powerful and almighty. You created the sun and the stars, the seas, and the heavens above, the earth and all creatures upon it—the very universe and time itself. Who then are we to stand in Your way and let our tiny flares of rage ignite?  Help us to step back and allow You and only You to reign supreme. Help us to know and take comfort that You will dole out Your holy wrath justly and completely.

Enable us to rest in the peace of being Your child, Your people, knowing You will handle all things in Your perfect time. Help us set aside the fury and the frenzy, the angst and the nascent seeds of hate beginning to sow. Let us remember the wisdom you gave us through Your servant, James, that everyone should “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19-20).

Let us remember the proper motivation—not pride, not prejudice, not personal insult, or attack, not fear, but rather a deep and pure affront to God and all You hold dear. Allow our anger to make room for You at the center to honor You and to care for Your people above all. Give us a spirit of peace and rest in You. In the Precious Name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

Be Blessed and Be A Blessing

You Are Loved.

Willie Torres Jr. 1/31/2023