That's been the theme in church since last month, and today's message was
"Love is slow to anger." It was a wonderful reminder of how our actions can have a damaging, long lasting effect.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
I had to remind myself to be forgiving and slow to anger again and again after the service while walking around the mall with Miguel. He does something I disapprove of and I tell him to stop, then he does it again so I tell him again... this goes on a few times until I find myself on the verge of anger, but then I remember today's message. It's a struggle to control anger but if you start by speaking calmly and kindly, you don't lose control easily. Because I find that once you respond rashly and harshly, the situation can only get worse. And the end result is both of you go home in a bad mood.
So I will try to apply this everyday in every situation until it becomes a habit. Or maybe I'll need to get it tattooed on my arm so I won't forget.
