ANGER IN ACTION

A college professor was having a difficult time getting his students to do their required assignments. As the class was about to end, he said emphatically, “When you come to class tomorrow, it would be wise to have your assignment completed and ready for my review.”

The next day when class began, he said in a loud, threatening voice, “Hold up your papers with your right hand!” All of the students complied with his demand except one. He held up his paper with his left hand.

Incensed, the professor shouted, “Right hand stupid, not your left hand. Don’t you know the difference?”

“Yes, sir, I do, sir,” said the student. “But I lost my right hand in combat.”

The Greeks had a particular phrase for anger. They called it “a brief madness.” It seems appropriate. When we become angry, we lose control of ourselves, and we often say things that are hurtful, hateful, and harmful.

David, the Psalmist, was wise when he wrote, “Stop your anger! Turn from your rage….it only leads to harm.”

Anger and rage are toxic, destructive emotions that reveal a desire to dominate and destroy and control others. That is not our responsibility. Our responsibility is to concentrate on God and His love, mercy, and grace in our lives and find peace as we trust Him to control us.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help us to turn our anger into affection and our frustration into faith – knowing that You will turn our trials into triumphs if we surrender to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:   Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm. Psalm 37:8