Have you ever been angry?

I never really thought that I could get angry so quickly. I don't get angry to the point of hurting anyone or doing things I would regret but I allow that anger to grow inside my heart.

Have you ever done that?

I was at work today and I was told that something I asked for was not able to be granted to me. That made me angry. I know that some of the reason my request was not granted was my fault but some of it was also just circumstances. But still I was angry. How did this help the situation? It didn't. Although I didn't voice my anger, I let it simmer. This afternoon, God gently reminded me of a verse and I'd like to share that with you.

"Wherefore, my beloved brethern, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" James 1:19

What a verse! How often are we swift to hear?

Or slow to speak?

Or slow to wrath?

Listen to this next verse:

"For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." James 1:20

Anger is not something that ought to be a part of us. Things shouldn't make our blood boil like that. It's important to remember that nothing in this life matters as much as living for God. As Christians, we may be the only Bible that some people will ever read. If we allow ourselves to become angry over small things, or even bigger things, we could lose our testimony. There is a time for anger but it needs to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. This is as much for me as it is for anyone else. I just realized today how often I have been angry over such small things. Am I losing my testimony to my coworkers when I allow that anger in?

I believe the answer is YES. Whether I am talking about it with them or not, it shows on my face. If you are angry do you smile? If you are happy do you frown? So the next time Satan tempts you to be angry, pray and ask God to help you keep your testimony and a good attitude.

Until next time,
Linda