Let Anger Straggle…

Expectations that aren’t met.
Conversations that are misunderstood.
Hurtful words spoken in haste.

I’ve been there. Have you?

When that happens…
Disappointment swells up from my toes. Anger bubbles.  My mind feels like it will explode. Every fiber in my being believes I have “the right” to verbally express my disapproval / frustration / disappointment.

But in the deepest place of my heart, I know that my words would hurt. They would not help the situation.  They would not be Christ-like.

So I remind myself of the words from God’s heart that can change my moment…

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”
(James 1:19)

Here are the words from The Message translation:

 “Post this at all the intersections, dear friends:
Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue,
and let anger straggle along in the rear.”

Yes!  So simple…
Listen … Pause…Speak.

The next verse continues with why this is the better response:
“…for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”

Not always easy. (I’ve written a note in my Bible dated 9-11-09 next to this verse: “So hard.” I guess I’ve been working on this for awhile.)

This is a model worth applying, don’t you think?
We would change our homes, churches, places of work, and our community if we would lead from listening, rather than an emotional outburst.

I want to be a woman who lives a life that pleases God.
That means I need to set aside my sinful anger…because it doesn’t create the life He has called me to live.

The simple solution:  Listen. Pause. Speak.

Try it today.  See what happens.

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