THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Lord, when you created humankind in your image, you gave us feelings and emotions. Without these attributes, we would be robots, lacking sympathy or empathy for others’ plights. What a boring existence we’d have without emotions. Just think … we’d look at our newborn as nothing more than another mouth to feed. Lord, we’d think nothing of your dazzling oranges, pinks, and purples of the sunrise. Without emotions, holding an elderly person’s hand whose influence steadied our life would mean nothing.

Lord, you trust us with one of your most impactful emotions—anger, but it requires our self-discipline.

Since Cain killed his brother Abel, uncontrolled anger continues causing havoc. Uncontrolled anger, often referred to as “not controlling our tongue,” has ruined countless relationships, destroyed careers, and left untold billions emotionally and spiritually wounded. When a believer cannot control his spirit, anger can slowly increase, even among the most pious.

The psalmist experienced both giving and receiving anger. When writing his Proverbs, he made certain to mention anger’s dangerous tendencies.

Proverbs 16:32 ESV “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”

Everyone’s anger can be easily triggered. People are frustrated and upset, witnessing corrupt government officials escape the consequences of their wrongdoings. The hypocrisy of religious leaders is evident as they flaunt the Scriptures while hiding abuse of their followers. The wealthy and elites benefit from a level of justice that ordinary people do not receive. They face no repercussions for their wrongful actions, while regular individuals are held to a different, harsher standard.

Lord, as Christ-followers, help us control our anger and our tongue. Keep us from bringing shame to your name and misrepresenting your love and grace for mankind. Amen, Jesus.