Be Slow...To Anger
Don’t Allow Sin Against You To Produce Sin In You
“Be angry … yet do not sin.” Ephesians 4:26
When Something Hurts
When someone wounds us, we want them to understand how much it hurt.
There is nothing unloving about acknowledging an injustice or wanting something made right.
But I can move from wanting someone to understand my pain to wanting them to feel it.
That is where I need more than a good argument; I need the tenderness and wisdom of Jesus.
Some Benefits To Being Slow
Love is “not easily angered,” Paul tells us (1 Corinthians 13:5).
There really are some benefits to being slow—especially when my mouth is ready before my heart!
I can pause with Abba and ask, “Am I responding from Love or myself?”
He knows what happened, understands why it hurts, and cares enough to help me see what my anger may be overlooking.
Love Gives Us Room
Being slow doesn’t mean remaining silent about harm. Love can protect someone, establish a boundary, and speak firmly without seeking revenge.
As we abide in Jesus, we aren’t left to manufacture patience by gritting our teeth.
His Spirit meets us in our humanness, helping us receive mercy and offer it without pretending the offense was harmless.
Abba cares about what happened to us. He also cares about what happens through us.
We can let His Love tend the wound before asking our words to do the same.
Reflection
Where has hurt become a desire to hurt back?
What could I bring to Abba before responding?
How might Love speak with both tenderness and truth?
Prayer
Abba Father, care for what hurts within me. Let Your mercy soften my heart and Your wisdom guide my words. Amen.