Anger Managed

1-21-2013 by Boyd Bailey “Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the Lord all that night.” 1 Samuel 15:10-11 On earth, anger is always an issue. The godly are angered by ungodly actions and the ungodly are angered by godly actions. Samuel became angry over Saul’s disobedience and he grieves in prayer all night, because he knows this grieves God. It deeply disappoints a mentor when their mentee does not thoroughly follow the commands of Christ. Partial obedience is disobedience. Thus, anger is an indicator that the truth needs to be shared with the one who dismissed truth. We are wise not to stuff our anger, but ask our heavenly Father to heal our heart by giving us the courage to lovingly go to the one who has offended us. Stuffed anger incubates ugly stuff, but properly expressed anger invites attractive interactions. We cannot control an offender's reaction to our kind but clear words, but we can control how we communicate. We manage anger productively by not attacking another’s character, but by sharing the facts of how we feel hurt. “A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.” Proverbs 15:1, The Message Moreover, make sure you have all the facts before you confront someone about their indiscretions. It is wise to listen to their side of the story, before you draw your conclusions. You do not want to make things worse by assuming inaccurate information. A person feels respected when they are able to give a response to your concerns. Ask reasonable questions that allow them to explain what seems to be inappropriate action. Love listens, learns, expresses and forgives. Most of all prepare your heart in prayer before you confront someone who has hurt you. Spirit-led confrontation gets the best results. Your offender's accountability is ultimately to the Lord. Jesus is their judge, not you, so trust Him to plant the seeds of your sensitive speech into the soil of their soul. They may not own up immediately to their actions, but that is between them and God. Manage your anger productively with caring confrontation and courageous conversations. “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” Proverbs 18:17, ESV Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage to confront when I have been hurt. Related Readings: Proverbs 27:17, 29:11; Mark 3:5; Luke 23:34; Ephesians 4:15, 29-31