Are you letting anger take root?

If I am being honest, sometimes I can't stand people. I let the smallest things get under my skin, making me have to hold my tongue from what I really want to say. This isn’t a feeling I get from people in just one part of my life but in all areas throughout my daily life. People can be really annoying and rude. I’ve had some conversations recently with close friends expressing these frustrations. Doing so shed light on a hope and plan for me. I have found that I am not alone in praying for a softened heart.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: 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 NIV

The Lord's plan for our lives is far more joyful and wonderful than we could ever imagine. Anger is far from these plans and the way He calls us to live excludes it completely. If we allow it, anger begins to take root deep in our hearts and does not produce anything good. There is no situation where anger benefits or solves a problem. Anger will only poison you, hardening your heart. Ephesians 4:27 warns us to not allow the devil to get a foothold in our lives, but by allowing anger to take root in our thoughts that is exactly what we are doing. Further down in this passage, Ephesians 4:29 encourages us to be mindful of the words we speak and to build others up and not tear them down. When anger takes root in our thoughts it usually takes root in our actions and words which does not lead to building others up.

When we have these emotions of anger and aggravation, even if we don’t directly express them, they still affect the way we handle situations. It causes us to be less invested in relationships, and become distant. So how do we stop this nasty feeling from taking root? As you become aware that you are starting to feel this emotion (probably for good reason), pause. I encourage you to slow down and take a second to breathe. Ask yourself how can you respond more like Jesus. Instead of becoming angry, how can you show compassion, grace, mercy or loving-kindness? Jesus' life is an example of all these things which is shown throughout the Bible and he shows this to us unconditionally even though we don’t deserve it. Here is one of many instances where Jesus dealt with anger John 8:1-11 I encourage you to take the time to read it. How can you show this love from Jesus that you have freely received to others instead of allowing anger to take root? His life was an example for us of how to live like this.

I’ve heard this expression before and recently had a friend in my small group bringing it up. It’s something along the lines of “don’t let your feelings drive the bus, they are valid and have a seat but should not be in control of driving.” Often times I think we need to be reminded of this when anger and aggravation begin to rear their ugly head. I believe though that not only should your feelings not be allowed to drive the bus but neither should you. Many times it is hard to not lead with your feelings and we forget that our feelings are not always truthful. When we allow Jesus to drive our bus though, we begin to head in the right direction.

-mackenzie

Lord,

You have shown me love and mercy when I don’t deserve it. Thank you.

Allow me to choose to show your love to others instead of anger or frustration.

Search my heart and help me let go of any grudges.

Help me recognize anger and let it go,

Please soften my heart.

Amen.