" ANGER "

Good Evening All,

Well here we are already fully engulfed into the holiday seasons of 2009. I'm sure that some of you have already started your shopping for the holidays. Listen keep your wits about you and don't fall for the retailers hype. It truly bothers me how we allow ourselves to be lead around by the nose and to be told what to think. I'm a Baby Boomer and I'm not afraid to ask why and I will also share with you my feelings. During the holidays if we're honest most of us will have an angry episode.

Being honest have you ever had a strong feeling of displeasure, in other words anger? We are told in Proverbs that "A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back." The Bible doesn't tell us that we shouldn't feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly. People tend to become like those whom we spend a lot of time with. Even the negative characteristics sometimes rub off. The bible exhorts us to be cautious in our choice of companions. Now, getting back to anger, if vented thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. Some of you allow stuff to build up, If bottled up inside, it can cause us to become bitter, while destroying us within. We ought to deal with our anger immediately in away that builds relationships rather than destroys them.

Listen if we don't deal with our anger, I believe that we're giving place to the devil. It's giving Satan an opportunity to divide us, when we nurse our anger along. We should not become angry when we fail to win an argument or when we feel offended or neglected. Selfish anger never helps anybody. Anger and worry (fretting) are two very destructive emotions. They reveal a lack of faith that God loves us and is in control. We should not worry; instead we should trust in God, giving ourselves to him for his use and safe keeping. By dwelling on your problems, you will become anxious and angry. But if you concentrate on God and his goodness, you will find peace. Where are you focusing your attention?

Are you angry with someone right now? What can you do to resolve your differences? Don't let the day end before you begin to work on mending your relationship.

Until next time remember that it's OK to get angry but we must not sin.

Jim