Listen to this devotion
Begin with God … He Helps Us Calm Anger
In the Word
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:19b–20).
Of the Word
"He has a short fuse." "She was really steamed." "She's mad as a hornet." "I was about to blow up." Many figures of speech are used to describe anger. What does God have to say about it?
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice (Ephesians 4:31).
"Think before you speak." "Get rid of angry words." How easy to say, but how hard to do! Our help comes from God. Through His Spirit He helps us to recognize and confess our sinful anger. He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy (Proverbs 28:13).
Pray for the Holy Spirit's gifts. He brings anger management skills! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22–23).
Walking with my Lord
Dear Heavenly Father, anger — my own or that of others — has caused hurt, frustration and separation in many lives. Forgive me for my sinful outbursts and quiet grumbling. Help me to remember Your love for me. Help me to show kindness, patience and a forgiving spirit to those around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 20/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
