As COVID-19 presses on, work floods in, financial concerns mount, and the incoming school year looms, we all can see tension and anger flare up. The emotional temperature of households is on the rise.
Anger and harshness can be a sign of burn-out, fatigue, and over-commitment. In counseling men, I’ve noticed anger also tends to rise to the surface when they hide a repeating pattern of sexual lust. Wrath can well up when people don’t meet our expectations, e.g. the house isn’t cleaned or ordered the way we prefer, a project at work isn’t executed as planned, a customer is upset with one of our employees, a child gets in trouble or fails an exam at school, and on the list goes.
Here’s the truth: the COVID-19 crisis, political tension, and economic collapse of 2020 all mix together for a perfect recipe of maddening stress. The result? Anger heats up in all our relationships….at work, in the home, and even within the church, God’s family.
So how are you? Have you used a thermometer on your anger and stress level lately? What’s your temperature?
Let’s pause over this verse:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
How might God change the choice and tone of your words today? How might you extinguish the flames of wrath through words seasoned with grace this coming week?
Feel free to get transparent about your temperature with your spouse, small group leader, or a close friend.
Authenticity is the good garden soil of God’s healing grace.
What’s your temperature?
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Love in Christ,
Pastor Michael
