Mom's Writings on Anger

Provoke, outburst, exasperate, vex, repeated irritation, agitated condition, become heated (hot under the collar)

Think before you speak
Ask God how to answer
Guard your thoughts, words
Don't jump to conclusions
See through God's eyes
Wait to hear from God

Proverbs 18:13  He who answers before listening---that is his folly and his shame

Phillipans 1:27  Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

Great advice from Mom.  How powerful a witness to the world if when people and circumstances were provoking me I could run through those steps in my head and then act and speak in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ instead of shooting from the hip and acting out of wounded emotions or pride.

Mom went on with the anger theme for a few entries (at least I think they are separate entries, I could be wrong--it does happen on occasion, albeit infrequently LOL)

Anger Management was the next title.

Daniel 3:19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed.  He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual  

King Nebuchadnezzar demanded all to bow down to the image he built and when he didn't "get his way", he was furious.

Daniel 3:12  But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon--Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego--who pay no attention to you, O king.  They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.  

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused and caused Nebuchanezzar to lash out at them and thus they were put into the burning fiery furnace. (see v 20)

v20  and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

We all struggle with anger, but anger is not always wrong.  Ephesians 4:26  Be angry and do not sin.  

Injustice in the world is certainly a right time to be angry.

Self-interest and pride, temper all are certainly wrong.

Phil 2:3  Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit but in lowliness (in humble attitude) of mind, let each esteem others better than himself.  

When a person's temper gets the best of him, it often reveals the worst in him.

Holy Spirit of God, change me, put a new desire in my heart.

I have to chime in here.  I was so convicted when I read the verse and the thought it evoked in Mom, in Daniel 3:19. How often do I act just like Nebuchanezzar? Something isn't done to my exacting desire and I get frustrated and angry.  I complain and criticize.  I engage my pride and my tongue and forsake compassion and mercy, acting much the spoiled brat that Nebuchanezzar reflected.  I have to echo my Mom's prayer, that the Holy Spirit put a new desire in my heart, one that acts out of the humble attitude spoken of in Philippians.

My struggle with all this comes in this:  I sometimes wonder if there is a line...how much are we supposed to let people "get away" with.  Are we ever to stick up for ourselves? Does it matter if I have to clean up after someone else at work?  Even if it's everyday?  Whether it's done on purpose or not?  I don't have the answers here.  I am still trying to figure it out.  Perhaps it is not so much as not saying something when people continually do something that makes your day more difficult, but how we say it and handle it that matters.  Perhaps just stating that we have a need for them to help in a certain way  would be better than getting angry over their seemingly uncaring disregard for others.   Or I could be wrong (oh no! Not again!! I can't admit this twice in one entry!!). Maybe the better witness is to just take care of the mess or problem, and do it with a good attitude.  Maybe it's situation based.  I look at Jesus and Paul and don't ever see them acting out of any kind of self interest, only becoming provoked and impassioned when the insult or damage was to God or others.   Still don't have the answer here...please pray that God leads me in His way and only to His honor.  

Lord, thank you for teaching me about anger and convicting me about my pride.  I know I have a long way to go in this area, but I also know that You are at work always within me to change my heart and life to reflect Your perfect Son.  Lord, bring these teachings to mind today, and everyday.  Let me think before I speak, check in with you before I react.  Let me take every thought captive so I don't entertain negativity and critical emotions towards others, or even myself.  Thank You.