Anger

"Don't sin by letting anger gain control of you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry." - Ephesians 4:26-27

It is almost an instinctive reaction to let anger well up inside of me when someone says or does something that I find insulting. While this is a violation of my boundaries, I don't have to lower myself to the level of emotional abuse. I can remain above it, and decide not to take it to heart and not to retaliate.

I need to take a detached view of what is happening and cultivate an attitude of peace and serenity. I will not let myself get involved emotionally. And I need to do it before the steam of the argument builds up, otherwise it might lead to an explosion. "Time out" is sometimes necessary, like leaving the room or even leaving the house. If I let anger take possession of me and dicate my words and actions, I will lose control and inflict damage onto myself and others, even innocent bystanders like children. These traumas can take a lifetime to be undone.

If I refrain myself from harbouring vengeful thoughts, I am doing myself and others a favour, because resentment can build into a storm. It can turn into a savage attack on another human being, leaving deep emotional scars on all those involved at the time. What sort of person do I really want to be? I need to make this decision right now, not later. Do I want to be loving, caring and have a good life? Then I need to plan things accordingly, and maybe it is time take action...

"And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." Matthew 5:30

All the best,

from Isa

Painting by irmastarr