Retaliation

What can I do to reduce my angry responses to people?

God’s Response

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1

Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger. Proverbs 29:8

Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Psalm 4:4

Anger is like mud; you can brush it off much more easily when it’s dry. You can reduce your angry responses not by reacting, but by responding. Reacting occurs without thought; responding can happen after you’ve had a chance to cool off and gain God’s perspective. Giving in to anger gives even more power to the source of your anger. Striking back invites the other person to strike back harder. Ask God to help you respond with gentleness and wisdom.

This Is Promising

God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. . . . He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 1 Peter 2:21, 23