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Above and Beyond Anger Part 2

“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

St Francis of Assisi once said, “It is not fitting, when one is in God’s service, to have a gloomy face or a chilling look.” However, life is full of frustrations: some great and some small. On occasion, you, like Jesus, will confront evil, and when you do, you may respond as He did: vigorously and without reservation. But, more often your frustrations will be of the more mundane variety. As long as you live here on earth, you will face countless opportunities to lose your temper over small, relatively insignificant events: a traffic jam, an inconsiderate comment, or a broken promise. When you are tempted to lose your temper over the minor inconveniences of life, don’t. Instead of turning up the heat, walk away. With the help of the Holy Spirit, turn away from anger, hatred, bitterness and regret. Turn, instead, to God. When you do, you’ll be following His Will and receive for yourself a priceless gift...the gift of peace. This peace is a peace from God which will transcend all understanding. This peace that comes from God will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, as I continue on the journey You have before me I ask that You will be my guide, my strength, and my friend. Help me be a joyful follower of Jesus Christ who is quick to smile and slow to anger. Holy Spirit empower me to share Your goodness with all whom I meet so that Your love might shine in me and through me. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen