James 1:19-21
Dear brothers, don’t ever forget
that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry; for
anger doesn’t make us good, as God demands that we must be.
So
get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and
humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is
able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
The last time Nathan
visited, he did not like how I corrected him for being bossy, and he
screamed at me in anger and frustration. Remember…he is only four! I
quickly picked him up and carried him to our “Time Out/Naughty” chair.
He screamed the entire way…”I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m SORRY!” I sat
him in the chair and held him there as he wriggled to free himself and
get up. After a few seconds, he relaxed into the chair and began to sob.
I calmly and quietly told him that he could get up when he could
apologize and speak to me nicely…and after a couple of minutes, he did
just that.
As we walked away from the “naughty chair,” Nathan
said, “Debbie…you hurt my feelings!” I told Nathan that he hurt MY
feelings by screaming at me. After hugs and kisses, we moved on with
our day…both assured that we still love each other…and hopeful that a
lesson had been learned!
One of the hardest things to do when a
“child” (of any age) is throwing a tantrum is not to get caught up in
it and retaliate in the same manner. Raised voices, and screaming do
not solve anything. In my opinion, physical discipline doesn’t help,
either. I have found a “time out” to be the most effective
remedy…especially when the adult can remain calm and objective and give
the other person a chance to recognize his/her mistake and make a
correction.
Isn’t this what God does for us all the time? I
don’t know about you, but I never feel that God is yelling and screaming
at me! I know there are times when I make mistakes – sometimes BIG
ones – and I feel His disappointment. But I never detect His anger. God
never shames me or berates me. Instead, He lovingly gives me a “Time
Out” to consider my sins and shortcomings.
Because of the blood
of Jesus, God allows us the opportunity to recognize my mistakes and
make necessary corrections. And then He showers us with the “hugs and
kisses” of forgiveness and undeserved blessings. And this is how we are
called to operate with each other. Ugly retorts, yelling and screaming
never solve anything. Physical attacks do not prove a single point.
Sometimes, the best response is none at all. A lot of “learning” and
reconciliation can occur in the silence.
I cannot imagine how
awful it would feel to think that God was angry with me…to “feel” Him
yelling and screaming, demeaning, or shaming me – much less physically
attacking me to drive home His point. And I would assume that He is
pretty disappointed in us when we treat others this way. Jesus took all
of the anger, insults and physical punishment resulting from our sins,
so that we can operate with humility, grace, mercy, forgiveness and
reconciliation toward each other. How are you honoring His great
sacrifice?
Is God calling you to take a “Time Out” and consider
how and where you could do better? Will this be the day that you
squelch your anger and start demonstrating His patience and goodness in
your daily living? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
No comments:
Post a Comment