Daily Companion | 11 March
BEFORE ANGER BECOMES A MONSTER
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty: and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. - Proverbs 16:32
Apart from Monaco and San Marino with the world least fatality rates from road accidents, United Kingdom is among the top safest countries to drive a car. This is so because speed limit and its enforcement play very crucial roles in road accident prevention and public safety. A reduction by 1 mile per hour in a vehicle can reduce road traffic deaths by 17%., research has found. The less speed limit, the less death.
Anger is like a speed. At a slow pace it can be safely controlled but at a high speed it becomes an uncontrollable monster that can kill. Though anger is a healthy and necessary emotion in humans, and it is okay to be angry or disappointed. God acknowledges this truth in Psalm 4:4, Ephesians 4:26. “Be angry, [but] do not sin”. But uncontrolled anger leads to sin, can take a toll on your life and others’, destroy your relationships, can hurt your health, and hunt to death.
Anger often starts in words. The Bible says, “If any man offends not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 3:2). Anger control is a virtue, a skill that can be developed as well. First, think before you speak. “My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19). Only speak when you are calm, and your thinking is clear. Take time to work out. A brisk walk or run may help. Physical exercise has been found to reduce stress. Keep a Quite Time daily. It helps you to prepare ahead for the day without getting easily irritated. “Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” (Psalms 4:4). Ensure you make your quiet time truly quiet. Don’t’ hold grudges. …do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26). Before anger become a monster in you, causing you to do things you regret or hurt those around you, Seek help! Seek God and His righteousness in prayer (Matthew 6:33). Ask Him to sanctify and grant you His amazing grace.
Today’s Recite: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1).
Today’s Morning Prayer: Thank You Jesus for a new day. I need Your grace to be calm when provoked. Sanctify my heart. May anger not have dominion over me. Let the words of my mouth be such that turn away wrath from this day henceforth in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Today’s Hymn: Come Unto Me
Today’s Read Me: Joshua 19 – 21
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