After completing your daily reading, come back to chat with fellow Bible readers about any reflections you have on the proverbs, introduction, or questions from today.
Harboring anger can destroy us, but facing our anger requires a great deal of humility and courage. It is easier to blame other people for the problems in our lives than to do the soul-searching work of admitting our own responsibility. God’s Word speaks to how we handle anger, as it affects both our inner lives and our relationships with others.
Reflection Questions:
What is your relationship with anger? How has your anger hurt others?
How have you been hurt by the anger of others, and how has it affected those relationships?
What do these proverbs tell us to do with our anger?
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121 thoughts on "Anger"
Amen
Thank you for this ❤️ I have a 3 year old boy and I probably feel convicted by anger and impatience every day. What’s funny is, I never saw myself in this light, until motherhood. Sometimes, it’s a genuine fear reaction because my boy is wild at heart and wants to test every boundary imaginable, and it’s a genuine reaction of burning safety into his brain. But too often then I care to admit, it’s my own selfishness; being inconvenienced or seeing his defiance as a reflection of my poor parenting, and taking it personally. I try to humble myself, remembering that his struggle with sin and disobedience, is the same one that I walk through daily. I get it wrong just as often as he does, probably more. It just looks different. And yet, I have a loving father who is full of patience, kindness and endless love. I’m reminded of this scripture in Corinthians: “do nothing from selfish ambition and vain conceit, but in humility, count others more significant than yourselves.” I have no right to react with anger towards my son for sinning. How dare I for all the sins I have made? I am called to correct him gently, lead with compassion, and recognize that we are both journeying through earth school: I just arrived here before him. That’s it.
Oo that last line. Yes! I’ve got a wild one, too. Prayers for you mama!
Be slow to anger and quick with forgiveness. Do not stir up anger with your words. Be cautious not to learn the ways of an angry character.
God is telling us to guard our hearts for this very reason (and more). He is teaching us discernment to maintain a platform for Him to share love through us.
I struggle with anger when I am emotionally hurt, when my efforts are unnoticed or when my intentions are questioned.
Holy Spirit prompt me to be slow to anger and quick to let it go. Amen
Amen ❤️
I know exactly where I struggle with anger and resentment. And it is an ongoing prayer of mine to repent and turn from it. Against my ex-husband and father of our 3 children. Hurt. I would say that hurt people hurt people. He says a lot of hurtful things to me at times. I have learned not to retaliate. But my thoughts are there. And that is a sin as well.
I am a person who overthinks and then stews over what has been said. I then began to let it fester to the point where I can’t seem to let it go. This is an area that I pray on constantly to God. I do not want to have a bitter or hardened heart because of the hurtful things that have said to me.
I have loved this reflection of anger in Proverbs. Reflecting I can certainly see I have silent ‘stuffing down’ anger especially as someone who has suffered abuse at the hands of vicious anger. A reminder today to cover it all with Gods love and forgiving grace.
This was definitely a trigger one for me as I can’t even allow myself to feel angry without hurting anyone so I just tell myself it’s not OK. The best I can do is not blame people and resist the urge to yell. I’m also definitely not slow to anger. I don’t feel like sharing the rant I wrote in my study book tonight.
What is your relationship with anger? How has your anger hurt others? I overthink what I’m angry or hurt about/by. I stew in my emotions in a negative way . I either get quiet when I’m angry or say things that are mean. I’m not proud of that so I try to just stay quiet.
How have you been hurt by the anger of others, and how has it affected those relationships? I think it helped push budding control issues into full on OCD, but that is just a theory of mine. I couldn’t explain how my brain works if I tried but I usually get quiet with people who’ve hurt me. I kind of stew in it or cut myself off from interacting with them. Avoidance for the win.
What do these proverbs tell us to do with our anger? Be cautious, slow to anger, turn away from anger, don’t learn from people who have anger issues.
I did read first thing this morning but didn’t get back to posting until now. Thank you for sharing so honestly and openly in the comments and reflections. So many things shared are relatable and deeply resonate with me. In general, I would not say I’m an angry person or struggle with angry but also not immune to letting anger show itself. In my marriage I would say that if I am hurt by something my husband says or does, I can at times respond with anger. Motherhood certainly seems to be a time when anger can become more apparent in our lives. What an evil tactic of the enemy to destroy harmony and kindness in our homes! It was not my default but I recall in my earlier years of motherhood struggling with anger at times. Foolishly thinking that an angry response would somehow illicit an obedient or apologetic response, or promote better behavior from a 3,4,5,6,7 yr old child. Clearly, not the best parenting approach and potentiallyso damaging to the heart and spirit of my girls. And, most times I think that anger had nothing to do with my girls at all. I was probably mad at myself for running short on time, because things didn’t go as “perfectly” planned as I wanted, or upset at my husband about something. Their very typical acceptable, age appropriate behavior or response needed my patience, my attention, my guidance, my redirection, not a short, angry thoughtless reaction. Many years ago I came to know the verse ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.’ and it often comes to mind to keep my emotions in check. Always a work in progress, that’s for sure.
Lord, thank you for patience, grace and mercy with me. Forgive me Lord for the times when my response whether outward or inward is one of anger, passive aggressive behavior or hostility. Guide me in the wisdom and truth of your Word, responding with control, patience, humility and kindness and to be forgiving. Help me to see others as you do and to be filled with and lead by your Spirit. Amen
❤️ I can relate, thank you for being so honest.
Thankful for SRT to address difficult topics to cultivate growth. This was hard for me to read and process. My relationship with anger has been one that was programmed, blind sided by me. I did not understand I had it. When I was dating, an ex bf brought that out to me, and he was very patient to me and asked me to not react a certain way again when we disagreed. I sat down and reflected where I got that from, and it was from mom. Causing a scene was her go-to reaction, and then weeks of silent treatment. I remember when I was little, my mom’s anger and resentment toward my dad really hurt me. Though it was not geared toward me, it affected the atmosphere of the home. It was going on for weeks, the passive aggressive kind, the quiet and heavy anger she harboured, stored up, and refused to give up the right to her anger, which made her feel superior. No hugs, no conversations, no laughter. Withold. Withdrawn.. She stayed mad until she got her way. I grew up not understanding all that. But it became my blueprint unknowingly in my early years of marriage. Watch your reactions around your kids dear moms. The anger that was modeled to me in early childhood, is the same roadmap I will take. But God. He delivered me from that blueprint, auto reflex, through repentance, saying sorry, making amends, replacing kindness with evil thoughts. This verse comes to mind, “He/she that is slow to anger is better than the mighty” (Proverbs 16:32). Self control is important and a needed skill to transition out of that storm within ourselves. When I was little, I used to have tantrums and my mom did not know how to deal with that. She would get mad and scream at me. And my dad would call me to come and sing me a song. It was two different reactions. And now I am a mom myself, I learnt how to deal with kids’ tantrum “a soft answer turns away wrath”. Children’s wrath are crazy too. My son would wake up after his nap and would be grumpy and cried for an hour long or more. I timed it. And it was a mental torment. My husband still resented my son for all those years he was robbed of his peace. Until this day. If we are not careful, we can resent our kids, our teenagers, our adult children because of the anger we refuse to deal with. The way my mom resented me -I never knew what I did wrong. It is all unspoken. To her, I owed her so much. That’s what resentment does. Be careful if we think like that. As God’s people, we are called to be servants. Be careful that we don’t harbour anger toward those whom we serve. Have a long look into ourselves, regularly, doing a deep soul search, and ask God regularly to point out any offensive ways in us (“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting” Psalm 139:24), and surrender that to God to be cleansed through confession. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful … to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). That can save our kids’ peace, and their future marriages if we teach them how to choose peace and how to resolve anger in a healthy and godly way. We must do what the Bible teaches, not just hearers. Hearers will remain stuck. Be blessed dear sisters.
Thank you, Mercy, for sharing this. I can relate to a lot of it.
Thank you for sharing Mercy, I know it will resonate with some, teach others, and reprimand as well (Iron sharpens iron!) We need to learn from other people’s lessons and wisdom! I’m sorry you had a harsh mother, yet knew/know there is absolute freedom in Christ! We are no longer slaves to sin! I pray for your mom to finally realize she needs to apologize and see what she needs to. Parental abandonment doesn’t always have to be ones that physically leave, there are ones that are unemotionally detached, or don’t know how to show love. It is heartbreaking to see and witness.
I know that instead of being angry God calls us to love and turn away from our sin. I have also reminded myself that it’s not a sin to be angry, it’s how we respond when we are angry that can be a sin.
I have a complicated relationship with anger. As a child, I tried to stuff my anger and that resulted in anxiety. As an adult, I have tried to experience my anger in a more healthy way, but sometimes I don’t know how. I often feel guilty when I am angry.
Growing up, my dad was angry at different times. I never really knew if he was in a good mood or not. The anger wasn’t directed towards me, but it still affected my relationship with him. It caused me to be uncomfortable around him at times.
I found myself focusing in a lot on the verse “love covers all wrongs” (Proverbs 10:12). In my reading today I came across two other verses that relate to this verse. 1 Peter 4:8 (“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”) and 1 corinthians 13:5 – which notes that “Love keeps no record of wrongs”
I think there is something tremendously powerful about taking a radical approach to forgiveness and at the same time I think it’s important to recognize this it’s not an open invitation to accept injustice or the like — somewhere there exist a balance where we can avoid the knee jerk reaction we might instinctively feel when we have been wronged (or we see someone else be wronged) . After all Proverbs 15:1 – reminds us that even when we meet someone who is angry, we don’t accomplish much by being angry back (except perhaps but them on the defensive and make them more angry). In fact a calm/measured response can be quite disarming
While I am not (in most cases) an overtly angry person (they are certainly cases where I have in fact been visibly angry. I can relate to some of the comments others have posted about the challenges of motherhood and avoiding responding in an angry way) – I do internally feel angry at sometimes and from personal experience I know that shoving those angry feelings down and pretending they don’t exist is also not beneficial. I think the challenge is not simply to avoid acting in angry ways but to avoid allowing feelings of anger to linger
The challenge is identifying when we should choose forgiveness (not excusing the action but not allowing it to weigh us down anymore) and when can/should respond in some capacity (my hope is that the Holy Spirit can guide me in recognizing this in my own life).
Finally Proverbs 22: 24-25 – reminds us that who we surround ourselves with matter (tendency to display anger or NOT choose anger can be contagious)
To all the moms, especially of young ones, I want to give a strong recommendation for two helpful resources, both by Wendy Speake and Amber Lia. One is Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Answers for Biblical Responses, and the other Parenting Scripts. Both extremely helpful for this topic of anger.
Thank you so much for sharing the books! God bless you Sis!
This is an area I have definitely been working on since becoming a mom, especially now as a mom of two! Anger was not something I struggled with before, but it’s definitely in the forefront now. Reminding myself to pause before responding and speak with love, grace and gentleness. I feel like my patience and anger are closely tied together. Even when I don’t get it right, I’m thankful I can apologize to my littles and accept God’s grace!
I find my anger flares up when I feel out of control. The anger doesn’t last long but my fuse is shorter in the summer holidays when the kids are falling out and the traffic is horrendous in our tourist town. I’m praying for patience!
Ah, anger, I got stuck in a cycle of anger after the death of my best friend. My anger definitely affected my marriage, my relationship with our children BUT GOD, He has a plan to rescue. He healed my wounded heart and has blessed me with a beautiful restoration of all the relationships touched by my anger .
So I have learned to not hang on to anger but rather to pursue God’s love.
I have often been quick to anger and hurt those around me including ones I love deeply. At the same time I have been a victim of anger which has caused bitterness and resentment in the relationship. God wants us to be slow to anger and react in love.
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GM! All the reflections and honest comments resonate with me! We are all earnestly learning what a Proverbs woman is and to help us grow in wisdom!
As I think about anger in my own life, I don’t see myself as quick to anger, I am usually a go with the flow person, and leave angry people alone and flee! But in families you really can’t do that. My dad was quick to explode and yell in frustration or give it to you quick! But, in the next instant he would cool off and just go on as normal! Guess who married someone like her dad!? How does that happen?! I am trying, trying, trying to be slow to speak, all the scriptures are written out and posted places, lol. They need to be exercised more though! “A man with a quick temper acts foolishly” yes. It does seem foolish, but then my barbs and sarcasm don’t help, just adds to the fire!! I should let it go, but it’s hard to do that when it happens over and over. But I am learning, when I don’t engage, he is more apt to apologize.
I am currently reading a book called “Happily” by Kevin Thompson. It explains that marriages can’t survive without ongoing mercy! I can see that my mom would do that with my dad, she never fanned the flame, but would show mercy and let him reveal his own feathers! I love that, and I shall do the same! Thank you Holy Spirit, for your continual guidance so I learn and change. Your Word Lord, is for our wisdom, the right and straight path for us, and to reveal your light to others! We praise you and worship you with each day of learning together! Be with all the needs presented here today and this whole study! You see every one of them! Our prayers are powerful and a privilege! They move heaven and earth! We need to be diligent and determined to use the power in you given to us!! Ask and we will receive in faith and alignment with your word!!
I pray for those families and community in MN. Lord, we know evil doesn’t win, but it sure seems like it is everywhere! Help Christ-followers show your love and to rise strong and steadfast, abounding in comfort and all the needs for those suffering. Heal the injured and give them hope and purpose. Thank you Jesus.
Wow your mom is so wise! Joining in prayers for the hurt families and community in Minnesota.
this was soooo great!!
I used to be quick to anger. I think it was depression with my situation in life. I hated being that way. I slowly worked on it and that was when I truly turned to God. God is So GOOD! With that being said, I can still loose it once in a while. For some reason it is when I’m driving. I’m trying to stop myself. To reflect on what might be going on with the person for that day. Running late, etc. After Tanner died and I hit the anger phase, I saw my husband show patience with me. Such a lovely man. I’m kind of rambling here…lo
I can definitely tell when I have “strayed from the herd” in my faith walk because I am more hot tempered in nature. Just sitting here reflecting on today’s Proverbs, I think of how I am as a parent. There are days where I am so short/hot tempered and there are days where I have more patience than I can imagine. I have made it a habit to pull them in and talk about the emotions, even apologize for the emotions if it is needed, as a way to model for them, as they are learning to process their own emotions and starting their own faith walks.
Growing up, anger was the only emotion I was allowed to express. Crying? Go to your room and do that in private. Sad? Figure it out. As an adult, I’ve come to control my anger but it wasn’t an easy journey getting here.
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Kimberly. So Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I’m going to put this on my mirror
Good morning! Oh my!…our topic on anger is timely on 2 fronts! Our youngest grandchild just hit 2 and we are dwelling in the land of NO and temper tantrums. We no sooner complete a challenging day with the grands than my bi-polar relative rolls in and starts in on his usual diatribe about the local court systems and how useless his attorney is. We had to ask him to leave because his anger was escalating and becoming loudly abusive..(I’ll take the 2 year old any day over the adult)
I empathize with Sam E and Jane K. The pressures of caregiving regardless of their ages are so very real and taxing on our lives,patience, and mental strength..
I found the reminders in Proverbs that recommend attitudes of love, caution to walk away, speak gently to anger and create distance by not befriending another’s anger to be insightful tools that might help me out.. A healing dose of forgiveness to myself when I invariably find I’ve messed up once again is also a life giving gift that helps me do better the next time my anger starts to get the best of me.
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I was UP in the middle of the night again. Please continue to pray to get a full nights sleep. My relationship with anger? I “can” get easily angered but thank God, I’ve “learned” to “tame” my anger and it’s ONLY God! AND leaving the place that I once called home (my Ex) was huge in my healing process as he was very easily angered to the point of being SO scary for my children and I. Okay back to me…when I did get angry its the “look” in my children’s eyes that hurt the most. I’ve been mostly hurt by my kids father as his anger affected both my children and I and the three of us, my son, daughter and I can be easily triggered (sigh) when it comes to other peoples anger as it stirs up memories. I have to admit leaving our toxic home was the first step in our healing process as there was no room for healing while living in that anger environment. Thank you JESUS for removing us and keep us safe! My favorite this morning is Proverbs 15:1. Gotta go. Love you all
Today, I read your comments before writing mine. I am glad I did!
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A couple of things stood out to me:
1) The word ‘hatred’ is used in connection with anger. Oof!
2) These Proverbs tell us to replace anger with love and to avoid anger/evil (the person or the act).
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Footnotes from the NET-
Proverbs 10:12 This contrasts the wicked motivated by hatred (animosity, rejection) with the righteous motivated by love (kind acts, showing favor).
Proverbs 10:12 Love acts like forgiveness. Hatred looks for and exaggerates faults, but love seeks ways to make sins disappear (e.g., 1 Pet 4:8).
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Like many of you I have been the target of someone’s anger any not in situations where I can avoid that person. That’s hard because we are called to love and forgive and move on, but the angry person doesn’t always make that easy. We need the Holy Spirit, our Comforter!
From Galatians 5:
17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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I wrote first and then read. Maybe I shoulda done it the other way around today, like you did.
Usually I form my comment then quickly check to see if I am duplicating someone else. That way I can mention their comment. When pushed for time I just let my comment fly, then catch up later- like I did yesterday. ❤
Such a good lesson to “take to heart”. I often think of anger as what is outwardly expressed. But anger can be insidious when it is snaking its way into, around and through our minds. I always said that it takes a lot to make me angry, but once I’m angry… watch out! (I always thought I had a pretty long fuse, in other words.)
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It would benefit me to remember that anger doesn’t always manifest itself in fighting… Lately I have found myself thinking negatively towards my husband. There is some anger there and more than I care to admit there is, of course.
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Something to ponder and pray about, for sure.
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Lord, help me to love and not assume because assuming can lead me into anger that is so often unwarranted.
Good stuff, Adrienne! ❤ Eye all healed?
Yes! Thank for your prayers! Doc said I could wear my contacts again, starting yesterday, but I was too chicken. I plan to try tomorrow or Saturday!
I think your comment that anger doesn’t always manifest itself as fighting is such an important one. Anger can look a lot of different ways (and “stuffing it down”/pretending the anger is not there even though you still feel it in your heart can just amplify the anger if its not dealt with it.) Ultimately I see anger as a position of the heart rather then a series of actions. And although silent anger is less obvious (in comparison to the loud/explosive anger) it is can still have a negative impact on our relationship with others and with God.
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Proverbs are such good instruction on how to handle ourselves when we feel angry and how to deal with others cautiously with kind words. God is slow to anger and wants us to be slow in anger. Can you please keep me in your prayers. Tonight we start another Ladies Bible study at my church and I am leading. I hope to co lead in the future weeks and I am praying it all goes smoothly. Thank you!
Praying for you as you lead in this study and for a good turn out! Also praying for a co leader to answer that need. ❤
Praying
Yay! That’s great! I remember being physically sick thr fee days before leading for the first time! Now, 3 years later and probably 9 studies later, I LOVE it so much!! Try to ask to lead more, ir take a part in each weeks plan!! So good to step out in action and faith! Afterall, I have learned its about reliance On Him, and not our teaching skills!! You have been one of my best cheerleaders!!
Praying for things to go smoothly. May the Lord guide you with an extra dose of confidence and the flowing of words.
Can I ask for prayers today for my son as he meets with a thoracic team to decide what to do about the ribs and lung trauma he suffered last month. Healing is not going well. The shoulder fxs are healing. Thank you.
Oh, Donna, I am so sorry to here that- thankful for the shoulder healing, of course, but I am praying for wisdom for the doc today and encouraging news for you both. Hugs to your mama heart! ❤
Just prayed for your son.
Oh Donna, yes! I have thought of you often and praying he was healing. God, please lay your hand on his ribs and lungs, heal them quickly and completely. May it brings Glory to you Lord, Amen.
praying, Donna.
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During my workday I can be so quick to anger over such seemingly insignificant things. I pray that God forgives me and guides me to respond with a softer approach. My husband is the complete opposite and is so calm natured and gentle and I pray that his wisdom rubs off on me so that I may be able to follow in his footsteps.
So many good comments and honesty. I can be on both sides of these Proverbs. I would say that I am learning that unforgiveness will give way to anger. If someone has hurt me, I need to ask God to help me forgive them. If not, it festers!
I feel like these verses give me the impression that anger is like a hot fire, if we are not careful, we will get burned or we will burn someone else.
I’m trying to do more of this:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”
James 1:19 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/jas.1.19.NIV
With God’s help we can do it!
Amen!❤️
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I am a slow to show anger kind of person. It isn’t in my nature to lash out immediately at other people unless we are close. I do find anger shows up with my son when he is pushing my buttons or, lately, with God for the bad turn of events my life has had. I am praying to give up that anger as I recognize it’s not healthy for me. I’m going to confess it to my community group later today to ask them to pray too. I hadn’t fully realized until this Sunday’s service and today’s devotional that what I’m feeling is anger. I recognize God can handle my anger, but it’s hard to let it go.
Praying for any of you that feel the same today. May we let go of our hurts and anger and lean on God through it all.
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God’s timing is perfect! I am so frustrated with myself for being quick-tempered with my 3-year-old grandson and mom yesterday. I’ve been asking God to forgive me and to root out any anger in me. Then I opened our study today, and it’s on anger. These verses are so good.
What is my relationship with anger? Hmmm…I would say I react in ether of these ways – not saying anything but letting it seethe inside me, affecting me internally and spiritually or I tend to be sarcastic. Either reaction is not good. I grew up with an angry father, and as the years went by and especially after my mom passed away, he became more angry more often. It was very hurtful emotionally and spiritually. I never want to become like that.
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When I looked further into Proverbs 15:1 it gave insight on how to give a gentle answer rather than use harsh words…
“A soft answer can defuse a potentially explosive situation. This response calls for wisdom, thoughtfulness, concern for the other person and self-discipline.”
(bible ref dot-com)
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It starts with wisdom, and isn’t that what the Proverbs are about – what a great place to start!
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Proverbs 14:17 points out that anger acts on instinct not on careful thought. That ties in with 15:1 -“careful thought”.
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These Proverbs are teaching me today that I need to give careful thought before I speak or react. How do I do that? By implementing the wisdom of God and the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within me.
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I along with Kelly Neo couldn’t see that the proverbs tell us what to do with anger but rather how to avoid it.
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This was a good reminder for me – to re-access how I let anger effect me and how I deal with it.
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Happy Thursday She’s!
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Continued prayers for your requests!
Oh thank you Sharon! That is all so good! I need to be slow to speak with my husband, I too, can use sarcasm too often. And it just makes my husband respond angrily. I need to be soft to speak and not criticize him even though I don’t see it as that, I NEED to see it as that.
I am right there with you, as far as seething goes!
❤️ very insightful
Love the version you shared, “A soft answer can defuse a potentially explosive situation. This response calls for wisdom, thoughtfulness, concern for the other person and self-discipline.”
Hi Sharon – oh my response mimics yours. Seething in resentment or being sarcastic – mostly with my husband.
I struggle with anger being my initial reaction when I’m upset. It’s impacted my marriage the most. The past few months I’ve felt the Lord really tugging at my heart and had me doing a lot of self reflection. I’ve been working on my reactions and responses especially with my husband. When I feel anger stirring in I whisper prayers for strength. I pray that God continues to work in me. To forgive and act in peace and love and reflect God’s grace always.
I’m right there with you. Mostly I point the finger at my husband quick explosions, but it is usually from what I say!
I am the same way. I need to whisper prayers for strength in those times. Thank you for sharing.
I am so grateful for the Lord’s sanctifying work in my heart! I grew up with a dad prone to explosive, unpredictable anger and I learned to do likewise. Over time, God has slowly transformed my angry heart (and sharp tongue!) and given me much more self control in this area. He is faithful to bring James 4:1-2 to my mind when I begin to feel irritated (“what causes fights and quarrels among you…?) And I am reminded to ask “What am I not getting that is making me angry?” (Obviously, sometimes anger is justified, but more often than not for me it is a prideful response). If you are struggling with navigating family dynamics, the book “Peacemaking for Families” by Ken Sande is excellent.
Father help me to speak in kindness and be slow to anger. In Jesus name, Amen
I need prayers for my anger I keep everything inside and 4 years ago my aunt was in hospital due to her grandson burnt her house down and when it came time for her to leave the hospital I called her daughter in law and son to tell them and they said we dont have room for her so I feel I didn’t have choice but take her to my house her family dont even come and see her so I feel they expect me to take care of her
That’s alot to put on you. Let’s covenant SHE’S to lift Connie up in prayer.
Yes, praying for you Connie.
Praying that God would fill you with His love, mercy & grace and the strength to care for your aunt.
Hugs to you ❤️
Praying right now for you Connie. So sorry this is what your facing right now.
oh my, praying for you CONNIE. It is heartbreaking how families can react like that.
My relationship with anger has definitely been one of a quick and fiery temper, which I’ve learned to manage through exercise. I will say around the time of my health issues in the spring it intensified based on the medication I was given. Not only has getting back to working out helped but the song Loving Barrabas by Judah Smith has shifted my views of others. I’m definitely praying when my frustration is tipped so bitterness doesn’t build.
Lord, teach my heart to walk in light,
Not flare in rage or spark a fight.
Let wisdom guide each word I say—
A gentle tongue turns wrath away. (Proverbs 15:1)
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When tempers rise and feelings burn,
Help me to pause, to breathe, to learn.
A fool is quick to strike and speak,
But I will choose the path of meek. (Proverbs 14:16-17)
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Let love be what I lead with first,
Not bitterness that makes things worse.
For hatred stirs up endless wrong,
But love can cover, soft and strong. (Proverbs 10:12)
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I’d rather share a humble plate
In quiet peace than feast with hate.
So let my home be warm and kind,
Where patient hearts bring calm to mind. (Proverbs 15:17-18)
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If anger walks a crooked way,
Then keep me on Your path today.
And help me walk with those who sow
The peace and joy Your children know. (Proverbs 22:24-25)
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So shape me, Lord, to be like You—
Slow to anger, strong and true.
And when I fail, still let there be
Your grace and love surrounding me.
Amen.
Thank you for sharing a different version of these verses. It’s helpful.
Did you write this poetry of these verses, Kimberly? They are so good! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Kimberly. This is so good!
I took a screenshot of this so I can read it as needed. Beautifully written!
Thank you for sharing; you’ve once again captured the essence of today’s scripture and message in such an impactful way! (And I like how the words are singable using the music of “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand”)
Wonderful Kimberly. So beautifully written and said.. I shall be ‘borrowing ‘ some, if not all your words..
Thank you..❤️
As always, beautiful Kimberly
So good! Love this Kimberly!
❤️
I can be quick to react, especially with my husband. We are just starting to understand the toll that his undiagnosed ADHD until recently has taken on our marriage and communication. I am not putting the blame on him or his ADHD. We need to learn tools that help us to communicate with 2 different “brain types”. It’s not always easy because he wants to use the ADHD as a crutch. And expects me to just deal with it, instead of working with someone who can help him manage his symptoms. I find myself resentful of his quick temper and impulsivity over the years and I have built up a wall. Lord let me be slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to anger. And quick to forgive:)
Mine too with undiagnosed ADHD. Praise God for the recent diagnosis that brings some closure for us.
Mercy – I found a great website called “ADHD and marriage”. They have workshops – so good!
Cringing as I think back to my behavior years ago (mostly) as what KELLY (NEO) described as a firecracker. Thankful for the work the Lord has done in my heart over the years. Lay it down, give it to the Lord and move on is my go-to attitude now. Most days I feel bombarded by responsibilities and new needs/asks for my time. Realizing that 99.9% of the time my anger changes nothing other than to consume valuable time – this helps me both with being angry and with being hurt by anger.
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WENDY B ❤️ yesterday’s post and prayer! Thank you. Your prayer included our hope is in You and it reminded me of a older chorus and a newer song –
My Life is in You, author Daniel Gardner
All My Hope, Crowder, authors Ed Cash, David Crowder
MERCY ❤️ straight talk yesterday, excellent and thank you.
SUSAN BURLEY – praying for healing, strength and energy ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️ thank you, fear IS a liar.
KRYSTA DECOSTER – praying for your husband, new job and financial provision
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MARIA BAER – are you still studying with us? ❤️
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AVA MOORE – great attitude!
SAM E and RACHEL (CO) thank you both for your care and service to these precious children and their hurting families.
SAM – thank you for sharing your testimony of remembering God is in control, and your journey and the effect of seeing so much tragedy time and again.
LAURA ❤️ praying
MARGARET W – praying as you adjust to living alone, and that how to deal with the technology would become crystal clear! Sending a hug your way ❤️
MEL P – so glad you are studying with us and seeking the Lord through His word! It is a great, supportive, praying community of sisters ❤️ I am SO sorry for your loss.
Searching, thank you for sharing, “lay it down, give it to the Lord, and move on.” It doesn’t help anyone for me to hold onto my sin once God has forgiven me.
Praying for all the requests
Great inspiration-
“Lay it down, give it to the Lord and move on…” ❤❤❤
Adding my amen to your prayers! ❤
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Any updates to share about family member or teens? Still praying! ❤
Preach, sister!
Thank you sister. Joining you in prayers. How you always keep up with requests always amazes me! Such a wonderful blessing you are to our community here ❤️❤️❤️.
God has been working on my heart for several years now. I have come to love his sovereignty and rule over my heart! ♥️
Words of grace
I tend to be more of a soft answer person or I say nothing at all. My husband can be impulsive and harsh and stirs up anger sometimes. Not often but sometimes. It has caused damage and he has had to work through it. Unfortunately I get lumped in there too because often the relationship that is damaged is with a family member, so I can be put in the middle or cut off as well. Not that I am perfect in this area, because I am not. But I do have more self-control in this area and so I get angry at him for his impulsive actions. Then our relationship is at odds. Lots of prayers have gone up for this area of our lives. We are both growing and changing as God works on us. Thankful to have God in the center of our marriage and our family.
Good morning. Loving these cooler temps here in Ohio!
On to today’s reflections :->
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It is said that people either stuff anger until like a dormant volcano suddeny erupt, or like a firecracker, go off easily and then it is over.
My relationship with anger depends on my stress/sleep levels. Unfortunately more stress or little sleep shortens my fuse.
How has your anger hurt others? Snide or sarcastic words are usually how my anger hurts others.
How have you been hurt by the anger of others, and how has it affected those relationships?
Of course I have been hurt by the anger of others. For the ones we are closest to, the process of forgiveness and rebuilding the trust starts right away in the relationship. But for the times I’ve experienced a stranger’s anger, I have to shrug it off and move on.
What do these proverbs tell us to do with our anger? Hmmm…not really seeing instructions for this in the readings today. I see we are to avoid people who are angry and to be agents of calm in conflict. Am I missing something?
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SUSAN BURLEY – praying for healing for you and strength and joy with the kiddos.
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KRYSTA DECOSTER- joining you in prayer for financial guidance from the Lord.
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MARGARET W. – praying for peace and clarity in learning new technologies. German, huh? That’s a challenging language to learn. God bless you.
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SANDI – agreeing with you in prayer for your husband.
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CEE GEE ❤️
Thankyou Kelly for prayer for my husband.
Kelly, thank you for honest answer about the question of what we are to do with our anger because I struggle to see anger and hatred as the same thing. Yes unchecked anger can lead to hatred but I don’t view them as equals. I agree we are to not be around angry people and should not become quickly angry. It is natural to become angry. God and Jesus even demonstrated anger at times. I think it is more about not living in the anger and not letting the anger make decisions for you. For me it’s about taking it to God and talking to Him about how I’m feeling.
I’m from Ohio too… closer to Cincinnati area
Agreeing in prayer
Wise reflections, KELLY! ❤ Glad you are back! ❤
My takeaway was that we are to replace anger/hatred with love Proverbs 10:12.
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I’m also not really seeing what to “do” with my anger. Cover it with love (love covers all offenses) and to turn away from it (one who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,) are the closest to instructions that I see. ??
Amen❤️
Praying for Minneapolis
❤️. So tragic
Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
Oh boy can I really struggle with anger. I have 2 under 2 boys who can really push my buttons. I know it’s not rational to get angry with them, but my patience and irritability get the best of me. At the same time I love them more than life. Even more so I battle with holding onto the past with my mom. We have seen a lot over the last decade and I feel myself already angry before we spend any time together. I pray God can show his mercy and help me to let go, forgive and find peace. I know I cannot do this on my own.
Praying for an extra dose of patience with your boys, and for finding peace with your mom.
Me too! It’s not easy having little ones:)
I am kinda the same way when I have time with my mom upcoming.
Growing up, my mother had a quick temper (displayed mostly with yelling, not physically) and a dad who exemplified Proverbs 15:1. As a mom, when my kids entered their adolescent years (and started challenging me), for a while I reacted as I was raised. Then I realized how wrong that was, how I felt and responded to each of my parents…
I begn to live by “A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This has now become kind of a mantra for me, as well as asking God for forgiveness and every day to help me be slow to anger and to speak the truth in love. I love seeing my son as a father, and my daughter with her “bonus” kids, exemplifying this as they learned from their grandpa’s and dad’s examples (and hopefully mine as I changed my ways – hopefully not too late).
❤️