Has anyone ever said you have a short fuse? God’s power and strength will help you hold back your anger and emotions. There are ways to develop your muscles of patience, to lengthen your fuse.
- Don’t give in to venting your anger. Instead pray on the spot and ask God to give you His patience.
- Avoid conflicts as much as possible. When things heat up, excuse yourself and walk away.
- Don’t be the cause of an argument. Think before you speak your responses and react to others.
- Follow Jesus’ example. First Peter 2:22-23 tells us that Jesus “‘committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.”
God will help you respond like Jesus. When you’re injured by others or flat out annoyed by them, turn your bad temper and your hurt feelings heavenward. With God’s help you’ll have the power of patience. Memorize this verse to help you along:
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
(Proverbs 19:11)
Dear Lord, lead me away from my first response when people are slow, unfair, unjust, or unkind. I need your help to be more like Jesus. Amen.
A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart is an exciting and practical book that will help young women walk in Jesus’ footsteps by cultivating godly attitudes and conduct, following Jesus and His example with confidence, and counting on God’s strength as they grow in Christlike character.
