When people talk about you would they tend to think of you more as a delightful joy to be around or a 'Little Mary (or Harry) Sunshine or a 'Oscar the Grouch' type constantly being ugly and temperamental? Ponder that for a while. Most of us probably think we are okay but is your demeanor reflective of joy, peace, happiness and love or criticism, judgment, evil and hatred? When people talk about you do you think it is in the positive or negative?
How do you respond to waiters, store clerks, telemarketers, and those that may rub you the wrong way? Do you spout off or do you stay under control treating all people with respect? Do you speak to your spouse the same way you did when you were dating or treat them ugly and vindictive? On the road driving, do you cut people off and angrily look out the window at them as you pass by?When things do not go your way do you respond with grace or do you lose control? It is clear that as a believer we need to have our emotions under control and if the area of words and anger is a problem to ask God to help deliver you from bring mean and hurtful. When you speak to someone it should be with kindness and love. It is so easy to get in an argument. It is a bigger person who finds a way to walk away and stop it . Proverbs 16:32 says "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." James 1:20 says "Man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."
We are to be Christlike and to do that we need to be trying to show Christlike qualities. These would be love, caring, sharing, selflessness, humility, joy, and forgiveness to name a few. Does your life reflect these both out in the 'marketplace' and in your own home? We are to treat members of our own family as better than outside world but the stories you hear often on the news of family violence do not reflect this. In Psalm 101:2 it says "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."
James 1:19 could apply to all of life and communication but I have mentioned before it is a good one for newlyweds to commit to memory and live by. It says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry". Ephesians 4:29 says " Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Proverbs 17:1 says "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife."
So whether you are out in the community, at work or especially at home you need to tame the anger and the tongue. Make believe you are Jesus and let's say a clerk is rude to you. The saying 'What Would Jesus Do' is a good one to really ponder. What would he do? Try to be like Little Mary Sunshine and let the Oscar the Grouch personality have a rest.
Proverbs 12:16 says "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult ".
PRAYER: Father it is my desire to treat all people with kindness, love, and respect. Show me where I need work in this area. Help me when I feel like getting mad to stop and pray. Forgive me if I have ever hurt anyone by my words or actions. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link below and enjoy a worship song.
http://youtu.be/uor3TPX0of8
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