The Trouble With Anger

Anger is Like a Stray Dog

Years ago I started to notice that some of my acquaintances  always had a story of how they had to tell someone off or set someone straight about this or that.  They had to defend themselves from exploitation or victimization by those they encountered daily.  Sometimes I wondered if they went to a different kind of supermarket, bank or dentist than I did.  Then I saw how they delighted in telling these stories of how they prevailed against these villains and it occurred to me that the anger and aggression they experienced left them feeling successful and wanting more.  They were poised for the next battle and the subsequent retelling of the tale.

Anger, it seems, is like a stray dog:  feed it and it will keep coming back.  So, what is the alternative?

Could You Be Wrong When You’re Right?

Could You be Wrong When You’re Right?

 There are many who live like enemies of the cross of Christ. I have often told you about them. And it makes me cry to tell you about them now.  The way they live is leading them to destruction. They have replaced God with their own desires. They do shameful things, and they are proud of what they do. They think only about earthly things. Phil 3:18 & 19 (ERV)

One of the challenges of being a Christian woman is behaving like one in the real world.   The real world has fewer and fewer rules for relational interactions and social behavior. Manners and etiquette are considered old fashioned. Those in the world are left to their own devices. That means they react by their feelings, by their flesh. We seem to be surrounded by a society that behaves like eighth grade girls. They say anything and do anything.

So what about us, the children of God?  Can we go their way, too, sulking, holding grudges, demanding our way, avoiding responsibility, allowing our flesh to rule? What about we married women? Can we deal with our spouses as though we were opponents in a competition, fighting to be right? Well, he started it, we often think.

Suppose you are dealing with an issue where you are 100% right and he is 100% wrong. Can you handle that situation with grace, humor and mercy, or do you insist on making him “eat his words”?  Are you guilty of vitriolic, belittling language against him? Do you require an apology before you forgive? We are expected to be different, Even if he will not admit his error we are expected to find ways to show God’s generosity of spirit. We are not permitted to use the tactics of the world, doing back to them what we believe they have done to us. What better time than when we are right to show God’s love by responding with humility and respect. Jesus is our example. He showed us what love looks like.