PATIENT AND UNDER CONTROL

A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back … Do you see a person who is hasty with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
— PROVERBS 29:11, 20

Just look around and listen. Watch the news. Listen to politicians debate. Hear the tone of discussions in social media, the pitch of the voices when adversaries argue. Feel their intensity. Some people feel the need to speak loudly or even shout as if the volume of their voice determines the outcome of the argument.

But the Bible gives us another perspective. We need to realize the impact of soft answers (Proverbs 15:1). We don’t need to yell to make a difference. We also need to realize the importance of holding back our temper and not being hasty with our words. We must be careful before we are dominated by anger. Realize that anger is a byproduct of the flesh, but self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23). The Holy Spirit will help us become more Christlike.

Those who are overwhelmed with emotions tend “to stir up strife.” But everything changes when we are guided and controlled by the Spirit. He helps us do what, in ourselves, we cannot do. If we find ourselves not able to control our anger, this indicates that we are being dominated by our flesh, not the Spirit.

Think and pray
How do you react to people and events in your life? Are you being controlled by your flesh or by the Spirit? Pray and commit every situation to God. Surrender your will and emotions to Him. Ask the Spirit to guide and control you.

Father, thank You that in Christ I am a new creature. Purify me. Help me control my words and emotions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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