Have you ever noticed how quick some people get upset, and at times over the littlest things? It can seem silly at times, but don’t tell them that. It could only build more frustration.
The funny thing about these individuals is this; they “choose” to get upset. I learned that truth many years ago while attending marriage counseling with my first wife. The counselor pointed out my wife can’t “make me mad” just like she can’t “make me hungry”. That made sense.
Ignoring things in life that bother you can be a challenge, but not impossible. One technique is to look at the overall situation and to ask yourself, “Does it really matter?” Finding a way to say. “So what?” is important.
The alternative is flying off the handle. Spouting words that can hurt, cut and potentially do permanent damage to the receiver of those “acts of rage” that could take years to overcome.
You can definitely pray and ask God to help you, and partner that with help from key identifiers. Signals inside you that may indicate your tolerance level is rising to a boiling over point. That can be the time to walk away quietly, or simply correct the frustration issue without commenting on it.
It is easier to change yourself, than to try to change another person.
The Bible says this about the importance of responding correctly:
Respond gently when you are confronted
and you’ll defuse the rage of another.
Responding with sharp, cutting words[a] will only make it worse.
Don’t you know that being angry
can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men?
2 When wisdom speaks, understanding becomes attractive.
But the words of the fool make their ignorance look laughable.
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere
and he takes note of everything that happens.
He watches over his lovers,
and he also sees the wickedness of the wicked.
4 When you speak healing words,
you offer others fruit from the tree of life.
But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes. Prov. 15:1-4
One thing to remember is; your outburst can ruin your witness of the love of God before others. That’s a sobering thought. People tend to remember a single outburst instead of the countless acts of love that came in the days before. It’s not fair, but unfortunately true. Choose to react with one of the fruits of the Spirit of God. “Love, joy, peace, self-control, kindness, goodness, forbearance, and gentleness. It’s a better way to go. Oh! And in the spirit of transparency, I needed this post probably more than anyone else!
Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
brady, mark a. 