Charge!

Charge!

Bible Blast: Read Matthew 21:12-13

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

The matador enters the ring holding a red cape.

A beautiful, gigantic bull enters the ring and stares at him.

The matador grandly takes his cape and flips it out to the side, taunting the bull.

The bull snorts loudly and stomps at the ground.

Suddenly the bull runs full speed toward the red cape, and just before it gets there, the matador swings the cape out of the way.

The crowd yells, “Olé!”

Many people say the bull gets angry when he sees the color red, and that’s why he charges at the cape. When you hear the saying that someone “sees red,” it means he or she is getting really angry, just like the bull.

Here’s the thing, though: Bulls are color-blind. They can’t see red at all. The reason they charge at the cape isn’t because of the color. It’s because of the movement of the cape.

“Seeing red” isn’t necessarily a sin. Getting angry and letting that anger control you is the problem. Jesus was filled with anger in the Temple because people were selling stuff in there, and God meant for it to be a place of prayer. Jesus wasn’t controlled by anger when he knocked the tables over and told people to get out. He was controlled by love for God’s purposes and God’s house.

When you’re angry, it’s always a good idea to keep your mouth closed. Hold your tongue, and give it some time. Waiting overnight is fabulous for fighting anger. It’s amazing how a good night’s sleep can make your mind think more clearly about a situation.

If you can learn how to deal with anger in a godly, controlled way, you’ll be a better friend, sister, daughter, and mother. When you see a red flag waving, don’t charge at it. Turn around and walk away for a bit. You’ll never regret it.

Girl Gab: Memorize today’s focus verse with your mom. Ask God to help you do the right thing when you’re angry.