Hello Altered Stories Family,
We are neck deep in the Holiday season. You may be in the midst of enjoying parties, shopping for loved ones and friends, or preparing for gatherings with your family; however, the holiday season can also lead to stress, and angst.
Because of the stress this season can bring, I urge you to please remember that no matter what is going on, our job as believers is to keep a handle on how we respond to others. This means that we need to keep a lid on our temper.
I do not speak as someone who has this aspect of self-control figured out, but I do know that the Bible says in Ephesians 4:26, “And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angary” (NLT). This verse is not telling us to ignore our emotions, that we are not to feel anger. The Bible says, “Be angry and do not Sin” (Eph. 4:26).
When you want to lash out in anger at a family member who is driving you up a wall, step back and pray for God to give you a spirit of peace and gentleness. Ask Him to help you calm down and give you the wisdom you need to take the next step, whether you don’t speak for a few minutes, or you are given the right word to say by the Spirit of God in the right time.
I wrote about this message on anger after a stressful situation hit my husband and I, in which we had to work through it together. I hope that this advice helps you as well, and that you can handle situations you may find with God by His wisdom.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and God bless you,
Teresa
