We Must Learn to Control Anger and Keep It from Poisoning Our Speech

   By nature, we are slow to hear, swift to speak, and quick to get angry. An angry tongue is a toxin that can poison our relationships with others and damage our ability to function well in the world. The reasons for our anger may be understandable. We may not feel well; we may be fatigued. Perhaps a right has been violated or an injury inflicted. Or we may just be angry people who have not reached a point of contentment in our lives. But we do not have the right to lash out at others. No amount of personal pain can justify inflicting our pain on others.

Praise God for He can renew our minds and give us a peaceful, clean heart for Him: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever (Psalm 30:11-12).

Pray to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in close fellowship with Him: “Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; and to You the vow shall be performed, O You who hear prayer to You all flesh will come… Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple (Psalm 65:1-2, 4).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind and voice your affirmation of His Word: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness (Proverbs 15:1-2).

As you bring your requests to the Lord today, remember:

• The terminally ill,
• Children of alcoholics,
• Missionaries in your area.

Pray to our loving Father: “You are my portion, O LORD; I have said that I would keep Your words… Be merciful to me according to Your word (Psalm 119:57-58).

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19-20).