Love Is Not Easily Angered

“It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Do you find yourself getting angry too easily? Do you take offense often or get your feelings hurt? In short, are you becoming difficult for others to be around?

I find this happens to me from time to time. I think it is directly related to the stress level in my life. If my stress level goes up, my anger fuse gets shorter. When this happens, I know that the people around me wish I would disappear for a while.

Though I cannot disappear, I do try to spend time alone for a short while. I do not wish to lose my temper. Angry words and actions take a long time to be forgotten. They can cause damage to relationships that take a long time to heal, if they heal at all.

When you find yourself angering easily, try these helpful techniques that sometimes work for me:

• Remember the Bible says love is not easily angered.
• Remember that the person who upset you did not necessarily do it intentionally.
• Give yourself some time alone.
• Take a walk. Physical exercise can work wonders.
• Pray and ask God to help you get your temper under control.
• Remember that laughter is the best medicine. Can you turn this incident into a humorous memory?

No one wants to be around people who are angry all the time. You will like yourself better and be better liked if you can lengthen your anger fuse.

Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.

From “Moments for Moms,” a free email subscription.
Copyright (c) 2003 Women’s Ministries of the Assemblies of God.
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Maxim of the Moment

If the shoe fits, you are not allowing for growth. - Vernon Law