You Choose…
By: Shanna Cole
James 1:19-20
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;” for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
As I have previously told you, we had recently found out about an older brother that we have. We have now met him and he reminds me so much of my dad. We often wonder why things happen the way they do. We may become angry and scream or cry. We may become withdrawn and upset. Reactions and emotions sometimes are hard to handle. After learning of my brother Randy, there were a lot of emotions for several days.
The first thing we thought was this is crazy! Then came excitement, nervousness, and so many other things. The one thing I can tell you that didn’t ever cross our minds was anger. We never said a cross word about him or the situation. There was only love and acceptance. That for one, is what my dad would have wanted, but also, it’s what God would want.
When you are given the opportunity to pick your reaction, which is something you can control almost always. Choose kindness, what does screaming at the cashier at the grocery store get you? What does honking at the person driving slow do? Typically, in our small town they will just drive slower:).
Getting angry is not the answer. Being mean and hateful is not the way Christian’s should act. Our goal in life should be to become as Christ-like as possible, and God is a loving God. I know we will never be perfect and there will be times anger will boil out of you before you even realize it. I am the worst at letting my anger take over my mouth. But take those times to look over the outcome of your anger. Where did it get you? What did it really help, being hateful or spiteful?
Today, if things seem to be slowing you down or not going your way, try to control your reaction. See if it is easier to walk away. Take a moment… ask yourself, “is this how God would want me to act?” The more you slow down and think about your reactions and emotions, the more control you will gain when you're angry or upset, and in turn, you will glorify God with your attitude.
