| scripture reading: | Colossians 3:5–15 |
| key verse: | Colossians 3:8 |
Now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
Some boundary markers on handling volatile emotions include the following:
Deal directly with the situation or responsible party who has irked you. Face conflict head–on. Refuse to spread your anger to other parties. Receive counsel only if you are unsure how to constructively deal with your anger.
Resolve your anger as quickly as possible under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes you need a cool–down period before expressing your anger. But it is folly to let your anger brew over days, weeks, or months. That is the perfect breeding ground for bitterness and division.
Remember that the temperament and personality of other people can easily provoke you. If this is the catalyst that makes you angry, your best choice is to accept others as God accepts you—freely and unconditionally.
Make a daily choice to submit to the reign of the Holy Spirit in your emotional life. Put your focus on Christ and the peace He gives in all circumstances. The sweeter your fellowship with Jesus, the more like Him you will naturally become with the Spirit’s help.
That is the lifestyle God has called you to, and anger can be handled appropriately within that context.
Father, I want to live the lifestyle You have called me to. Help me resolve my anger quickly and accept others as You accept me. I submit to the reign of the Holy Spirit in my emotional life today.[1]
[1] Stanley, C. F. (1998). Enter His gates: a daily devotional. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
