This morning we read Psalm 103 for our morning Bible time. When we came to the 8th verse where it says “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love,” I paused and explained the meaning to the children. I explained that God is full of mercy and love and that He is not quick to get angry. Most people are quick to get angry. . . . but before I could finish the rest of the sentence, my 5.5 yr old chimed in and said, “You mean, like you, mama?” I looked at him and said, “Yes, like me. I will do my best to learn to be slow to anger.” My son does not beat around the bush and calls it out as he sees it. Today was another humbling experience living and interacting with my children.

What my son said is true. In the midst of busyness in caring for four high-maintenance children, I have become prone to get angry easily. As much as I want to make excuses such as lack of sleep, fatigue, demanding kids, etc, I know when it comes down to it, they did not “make me” sin. Rather, they revealed the sin that was already in my heart. How I have acted was not pleasing to God. I knew I had to change.

Yesterday I listened to a sermon from pastor Dave Harvey titled “When Sinners Say I Do” (from which was derived a book of the same name). When he quoted Thomas Watson in saying, “Til sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet,” it caught my attention. As I struggle each day with anger and wonder how I can get rid of this anger problem, Watson’s quote comes very timely. It is only when we hate sin will we find Christ truly sweet. One important principle that I got from Dave Harvey’s message was that when we sin against our loved ones, the person who is most offended is God. We have primarily sinned against God and this is a great offense. When we have this proper perspective, we will be more likely to mortify our sins.