Day 31

But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
JAMES 1:19-20

I believe anger is one of the most dangerous and least talked about emotions. Anger can destroy marriages. It can devastate families. It can crush young people who grow up in homes where they are treated with disrespect and contempt. There are many people who seemingly never have a problem with their tempers in public but are more volatile than you'd ever imagine in their own homes and families.

I heard about a man who has helped many people sort through deep-seated issues of worth, forgiveness and abuse through his wise counsel, writings and speaking. He is indeed a good, godly man. But he'd be the first to tell you that anger has been a tough nut for him to crack. One day him and his wife were lost in downtown Chicago, and he was boiling over about the poor directions she had given him. Things got so bad that she abruptly left the car and began walking away at a brisk pace.

"Where do you think you're going?" He blurted out through the rolled-down window. She shot back, "I am not going to sit in the same car with you and give you the right to continue to sin against me." Then she snapped open her cell phone and called her friend to come pick her up. Oh, the humility of the moment! You likely have a similar story or two you could tell.

Take another look at the verse for today. If anger is an issue in your marriage, I suggest that you memorize it. And if you've allowed anger at your spouse to spill over into your family, I encourage you to ask for forgiveness from your spouse and your children.

Anger in your marriage and family—how often is it expressed? What impact does it have on your family? Talk about one step of action you'll take to address this emotion in your lives, marriage and family.

Pray, pray, pray for God to remove anger from you and your loved ones today. He can do it! 

From My House to Yours,

Cathie
PS Happy Birthday to our 6 year old daughter Phoebe Dawn Hightshoe. She is an incredible blessing to us. She is the living testimony of God working all things out for our good. WE LOVE YOU sweet baby girl.