Rise Above Your Anger
Rise Above Your Anger | September 1, 2023
There's a story about a woman who was bit by a mad dog. It looked as if she would die of a rare case of rabies, so the doctor told her she should make her Will. Taking her pen and paper, she began to write and kept going so much so that she requested another piece of paper. Finally, the doctor said, "That is certainly a long Will you're making." She snorted, "Will nothing! I'm making a list of all the people I'm going to bite!"
Sadly, some people are so consumed with their anger that nothing else but payback seems to matter. The most practical counsel concerning anger and the typical emotions that follow, such as bitterness, rage, revenge, and wrath, is Romans 12:17-21, which plainly says, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.20 On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
The Scriptures make clear that revenge is a losing proposition with zero return. Therefore, we need to take helpful steps, including putting away our retaliation plots. You may have noticed that you remain angry when thinking about how you will get even. It controls your thoughts and consumes your day.
However, if you are willing to surrender your ability to get retribution to God, He promises to write the wrong at some point. This perspective is both wise and healthy. Perhaps nothing will destroy your sanity faster than unchecked anger (It can even adversely impact your physical and relational health.)
Thus, if we are going to rise above our anger, we can not be overcome with evil responses such as profanity, malice, and violence. Let us take the path that God approves and burn our "bite list" like that lady should've done! As you go forward, apply Jesus' teaching on mercy and forgiveness.
Sadly, some people are so consumed with their anger that nothing else but payback seems to matter. The most practical counsel concerning anger and the typical emotions that follow, such as bitterness, rage, revenge, and wrath, is Romans 12:17-21, which plainly says, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.20 On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
The Scriptures make clear that revenge is a losing proposition with zero return. Therefore, we need to take helpful steps, including putting away our retaliation plots. You may have noticed that you remain angry when thinking about how you will get even. It controls your thoughts and consumes your day.
However, if you are willing to surrender your ability to get retribution to God, He promises to write the wrong at some point. This perspective is both wise and healthy. Perhaps nothing will destroy your sanity faster than unchecked anger (It can even adversely impact your physical and relational health.)
Thus, if we are going to rise above our anger, we can not be overcome with evil responses such as profanity, malice, and violence. Let us take the path that God approves and burn our "bite list" like that lady should've done! As you go forward, apply Jesus' teaching on mercy and forgiveness.
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2023
August
Good Decisions Require Discernment Live By God's PowerPraying For Real ComfortGetting In Rhythm With GodAvoid Self-Righteous PrayersKeep Your Promises With GodMercy Leads To HappinessAddress Any Self-Righteous AttitudesPraying With ConfidenceHow Does God See You?Turn Away From Whatever Gets You StuckStop Talking About Your ProblemsOur Prayers Reach God's EarsStress Management Starts In The MorningFollowing ChristNavigating The Darkness Of This World Measure God's PromisesLittle Light Of MineGet Your Priorities In OrderPraying Without Results Can Be ToughYou Can Overcome DoubtPray ContinuouslyRescue-Me Prayers Practice Inward KindnessTrust God's TimingSurrender My AgendaFocus On Being A River Rather Than A ReservoirGod's Gracious CoveringYou Are Never Out Of God's ReachSeek God With No Strings Attached
September
Rise Above Your AngerGod Is Fully Aware Of Your AdversityAll The Days Of My LifeBalance Rest And LaborStrive To Always Be SincereBreaking The Habit Of WorryPrayer For Students And SchoolsAn Antidote AnxietyTrust God And Leave The Results To HimDeclareSeek God For Strength Fatigue Makes You Vulnerable To Temptation Put The Work Of Waiting Into MotionTrust In God Leads To Blessing Are You Teachable?BelieveMeditate On Scripture To Manage StressThink Through Your Actions Get Back On God's PathOur Father Who Art In HeavenHallowed Be Thy NameYour Kingdom Come, Your Will Be DoneGive Us This Day Our Daily BreadForgive Us Of Our SinsLead Us Not Into TemptationDeliver Us From The Evil OneFor Yours Is The Kingdom And The Power And The Glory Forever. AmenGetting Out Of Your Mental PitYou Can Have Unshakable FaithKeep Short Accounts With God
October
God Of The Final SayStop Making Excuses And Start Making Adjustments God Acts On Behalf Of Those Who Wait On HimWaiting On God For DirectionGod's Perfect FaithfulnessWaiting Can Wear You OutGod's Refuge Is Your UmbrellaGod's Cover 4 DefenseRemove Negative Labels Live By God's PowerPraying For IsraelDiscouragement Is CurableGarbage In, Garbage Out Seeking God's BlessingMake Sundays Sacred We See A Battle, The Lord Sees Our Victory Refuse To Throw In The Towel God's Timing Is Trustworthy Be Miracle-MindedShake Off Negativity Keep Doing What Is RightMaintain An Active Church MembershipBe An Anyway Type Of PersonDetest Evil, Cling To Good Encouragement is oxygen for the mind.Kindness Will Reward YouCombine Prayer And ActionOvercoming Evil With Good Decisions
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