And Then … People

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. – Leviticus 19:18

Have you ever had a day where you woke up feeling refreshed, got ready for the day without any problems, and had a plan for how the day would go? And then … people. Sometimes you might feel that certain people exist to wreck your life, cause you inconvenience, and in general irritate you. Even though you might not lose your temper, anger starts to simmer below the surface, bubbling and threatening to boil over at any minute.

This is not the way to go through life, especially as a believer and follower of Jesus. It’s not the way of freedom. Yes, you will have frustrations, irritations, and mishaps. And getting upset about those things is understandable, especially when they make your day difficult. It would be just as bad to be numb to the struggles of life or act fake-happy when situations are difficult. But you have to learn how to deal with the things of life and the people you encounter in a healthy and loving way.

Holding a grudge or a negative attitude toward people can quickly shift to anger. As you recognize what is bubbling underneath, surrender that emotion—and those difficult situations you’re facing—to God and move into freedom. This will equip you to handle whatever difficulties or minor irritations come your way. You will be more like the One who created you!

If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting “Who made thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou hast not received?” then I know nothing of Calvary love. – Amy Carmichael

We choose what attitudes we have right now. And it’s a continuing choice. – John C. Maxwell

Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitudes toward life. The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it. – Chuck Swindoll

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for all you have so graciously done for me. May my attitude reflect you, with patience, wisdom, compassion, and grace. Help me to redirect myself when frustrations start to distance me from who you created me to be. Amen.

Taken from 100 Days to Freedom from Anger copyright © 2021 by Stephen Arterburn and Becky Brown. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.