I would like to introduce my friend and guest blogger for this week – Carolyn Dale Newell. She gives excellent insight on handling anger – putting out fires. Carolyn writes:
When the sparks of anger arise, we can employ the “Stop, drop and roll” technique we learned as children in case of fire. It seems to work as well with the flames of anger.
Stop, pause, and be silent. Drop the words of retaliation on the tip of your tongue. Roll, as they say, with the Spirit. Allow love to take precedence. Let gentleness emerge from your lips rather than harsh words which can never be taken back. Extinguish the flames of anger by expressing the fruit of meekness and love.
When we get mad, we have a choice – to react in the flesh, or to respond in the Spirit. We allow Satan to have the victory when we walk in the flesh. However, when we walk in the Spirit, we please God. Keep in mind, the emotion of anger is not sinful, but the choices we make can be. Speaking kindness into a volatile situation may not preserve the relationship, but it will protect us from sin’s ugly shame.
As with fire, we must make sure no spark remains to reignite. We must not allow any bitterness to take root.
Understandably, it is difficult in the midst of anger to act in a manner which pleases God. Our nature wants to lash out and go on the defense. We need to remember to pause, choosing our words carefully. An example of one spiritual choice we can make the next time we find ourselves in a dispute is to prepare a few statements to recall before speaking such as: “I love you, and I refuse to argue with you.” Or “I understand that is the way you perceive things, but I feel…”
If we practice this one simple act, we can look back on the volatile situation with no regrets. And, it may save the relationship. Quenching flames of anger before destroying a relationship can be said this way, “Putting out fires before burning bridges.”
I am Carolyn Dale Newell. I write Christian devotions to encourage people through their trials and also to encourage them in their Christian walk. In 2012, I began writing while I was learning how to live as a blind person. During that time, I felt God’s grace as never before, and I wanted to share with others the power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. https://amountainoffaith.com/author/cnewell2014/