Patient Or Peevish?
Patient Or Peevish?
The LORD said, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
Jonah 4:4
There once was a Chicago murder suspect who attacked his own attorney. The lawyer had advised the plaintiff to stop “mouthing off” during jury selection, but the alleged murderer didn’t like the advice. He punched his defender in the face. After that, the plaintiff came to court with his hands, feet, and head strapped to a chair and his mouth covered. He also had a new lawyer.
It’s odd how irritable we can be toward others when the fault lies purely with us. We often resent those who try to help us. We may really be angry at ourselves, but our frustration erupts toward our spouse, child, coworker, teacher, or church volunteer. Sometimes we can even be angry at God, as Jonah was when God spared Nineveh. But whenever we lash out, it’s wise to listen to the Lord, who has a way of asking, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
The Lord is our advocate who works for our good, and He has also given us our friends who seek our welfare. Be patient today rather than peevish, and thankful rather than resentful.
Anger never made anybody the happier.
JOHN BOWRINGa
a John Bowring, Minor Morals for Young People (1834).
From the book
