Mom's Writings--more on anger

I realized I hadn't shared any of Mom's insights for a while and thought it was time for some more of the wisdom she found during her visits with the Lord.  We are still on anger in her little journal.

James 1:19-22  Understand this my dear brothers and sisters:  You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires....But don't just listen to God's word.  You must do what it says. Other wise you are only fooling yourselves.  

Qualities Needed in Trials-

vs 19:  every man be swift to hear
            slow to speak
            slow to wrath
vs 20:  for the man of wrath does not produce the righteousness of God.
vs 22:  But be doers of the Word and not hearers only.

Do the work of God--Hear the Word and do the work.  Be obedient

Ephesians 4:26-27   And do not sin by letting anger control you.  Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

vs 26:  be angry and do not sin, let not the sun go down on your wrath
vs 27:  do not give an opportunity to the devil.

Truth in Action--

-deal with anger quickly
-don't allow it to influence your treatment of others

As believers we cannot stand before God and justify harboring long-term anger.  It must be released at once through forgiveness.

Identify frequent instants or people who cause us to allow a "situation" for anger to happen.  

James 1:19--pray that God makes us:  quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
from me:
What a great prayer for us.  Something I saw on facebook comes to mind:

      IF WE COULD LOOK INTO EACH OTHERS HEARTS AND       UNDERSTAND THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES EACH OF US FACES, I THINK WE WOULD TREAT EACH OTHER MUCH MORE GENTLY, WITH MORE LOVE, PATIENCE, TOLERANCE, AND CARE. 

(Guess that was a God visit that I missed the day I saw that post...or maybe God was just holding that knowledge until this very moment when I would be reminded to include it here.)

And something that is coming up inside this moment:  I am not just to be listening with my human ear, which is guided by my own feelings, and filters, but by the spiritual ear, which is led by the Holy Spirit.

Mom spoke of identifying specific things that triggered anger in us.  What is it about certain situations, certain people that seem to cause that anger to bubble up and overflow (mine usually at work, and usually through my mouth!)?  One of the first things that come to mind, for me anyway, is pride.  A second thing that comes to mind is something that has been a topic in my Bible Study group for many years; expectations.  When people don't do what I think they should or meet my ideals, then I get angry.

Lord, help me to look past myself, my pride and needs and wants, help me to hear with Your ear, and see with Your eyes.  Let me listen to what is underneath.  And let me respond not in anger but in love.