The Divine in Our Design:
Feelings of Anger – Part 3

Scripture Reading:  Ephesians 4:25-32

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:26

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry

Let me remind you that feelings of anger are part of your divine design just as much as feelings of joy or love.  All of our emotions must be controlled in their expressions.  Love can turn into lust if it is not controlled.  So it is with anger, we should never feel guilty that we feel our feelings, but we must take responsibility in controlling their expressions.

            We ended yesterday’s devotional with a technique we can use when controlling the expressions of anger.  Another technique that works for some is from the book of James: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:20).  Two important steps that anyone can put in place in their life:  first, learn to listen better.  Most anger comes from misunderstandings.  Misunderstandings normally come from someone not listening carefully.  As I have previously proposed, all feelings flow out of thoughts.  When we think a situation or person is harming us in some way or offending us, our feelings turn negative.  Often, later we find that it all came because of not understanding what that person was trying to say!

            The second step James mentions: Be slow to speak!  All of us can remember times when speaking too quickly brought anger issues up in us and others!  Devise a strategy that will remind you not to respond quickly.  Quick words are careless words and will be judged, according to Jesus (Matthew 12:36).

Father, please help me listen better and bite my tongue when I start to respond thoughtlessly!  I praise you for the help of the Holy Spirit!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.