Anger.

Hmm, nice word. Sound familiar?

Yes? Okay, than we're on the same page.

I've decided that my next several posts will be about the issue of anger (and other things similar to it!). I have chosen a verse to post today and made some notes about it... and added a challenge!

Usually I like to write in a "detailed" or "artistic" manner, but this time I'm keeping it simple. The Bible doesn't need my help to be powerful!

Ready for the first post on anger? Here we go!

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” Eph. 4:31

Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor (which means to raise your voice), slander, and malice are things we all struggle with. Think about a situation when you felt one of these emotions. How did you respond? It’s hard to respond positively to someone who makes you angry, isn’t it? When we’re angry we usually want to shout, stomp, and slam doors, don’t we? Maybe we’ll even spend some time sulking and giving ourselves a pity-party. Well, as with all big problems, the Bible has a lot to say about this!

One thing that stands out in this verse to me is the feeling of finality and surety in the words "put away". We are to put away, cast far off, all these ungodly feelings and actions. We aren't to sometimes play around with them, we aren't to visit them or hold them to us when life throws us a curve-ball; we are to throw them far and completely away from us.

So, here's the challenge: Each time something frustrates you or someone upsets you, take a deep breath (count to 10 if you need to) and respond softly and gently to the situation or person. Do this until you read my next blog update! (Trust me, you won't be the only one doing this, since I'm challenging myself!)

Challenge sounds harsh, huh? I know... but trying thing like this help us all to see where we need to grow. When you see areas in need of spiritual maturity, pray and ask God for help and guidance! His strength is what holds us up.

Have a blessed week!

WarriorMaiden