Dealing with Anger
Do you know what to do when you get angry?
Dealing with anger and teaching your kids to do the same is really, really important! James chapter one tells us why:
“This you know, my beloved brothers, but let every one be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” ”
I think we’ve all said: “that person made me so angry!”
When we say those words, or words similar to them, we’re actually placing the responsibility for our anger on someone else instead of where it ought to be; on us!
The truth of the matter is, although things will happen that will upset you, anger is a choice.
You and I can choose to be angry, or we can choose to forgive. That’s why, in our parenting conferences, Diane and I encourage Mothers and Fathers to teach their kids this:
“My response is my responsibility.”
Sinful anger can be a powerful means of controlling people, but it’s not Jesus’ way!
Jesus said:
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened down, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.” ”
Jesus didn’t use anger or force to get His own way. He was gentle. He was humble. You and I need to learn from Him, and teach our kids to do the same.
Remember, James 1:20 says: “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God”
In other words, sinful anger will never bring about the things God desires, nor the things you desire to see happen in your life, or in the lives of your children.
Want to learn more about how to control your anger instead of letting it control you?
Click here to listen to the podcast of Phil’s Sunday message preached several weeks ago at Westside, A Jesus Church, entitled, “Dealing with Anger”
Phil