How can I avoid overreacting? - Overreacting - TouchPoints

Joshua 22:11-13The rest of Israel heard that the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had built an altar at Geliloth at the edge of the land of Canaan, on the west side of the Jordan River. So the whole community of Israel gathered at Shiloh and prepared to go to war against them. First, however, they sent a delegation led by Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, to talk with the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

To avoid overacting, we should be sure understand the facts before responding to a situation. If we can resist acting until we’ve considered the facts, the chances are good that we will react appropriately.

Proverbs 17:27A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

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

Proverbs 29:20There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

James 1:19You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

To avoid overreacting, we should be quick to listen and slow to speak. When a verbal reaction is required, we should speak with control and wisdom to diffuse an argument rather than stir up angry emotions.

Leviticus 19:18“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

Proverbs 20:22Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

Proverbs 24:29Don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!”

Romans 12:17Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

1 Peter 2:23He 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 3:9Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

To avoid overreacting, we should avoid taking revenge at all costs. Getting back at another person always makes things worse and demonstrates that we are just as bent on harm as the other party.

Proverbs 16:32Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

Galatians 5:22-23The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

2 Peter 1:5-6Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness.

To avoid overreacting, we should be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and allow him to influence our reactions so they will have the greatest positive affect. He will produce self-control.

Jonah 4:3-4, 11“Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this? . . . Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”

To avoid overreacting, we should change our perspective and try to see life from God’s point of view. Overreaction is often the result of placing too much emphasis on ourselves and not enough on God.