ANGER

I was angry. I could blame it on the heat or lack of sleep or poor communication – but that would only be a lame attempt to deflect my personal responsibility. We could certainly analyze why I lost my cool. In psychology we learn that anger is a result of losing control, embarrassment, fear, pain, or deep disappointment. But again, we would only be trying to explain away the reality that I said things in anger and then slammed a door behind me as an explanation point.

I knew the second I heard the door slam that I would have to clean up the mess I made.

Within minutes I was talking to God. After all, as my Father, he saw and heard everything. I confessed my sin; that I’m not worthy to be called his child. I asked for and received forgiveness. Then came the hard part.

After I cooled down I found the person who had become the object of my anger. I confessed my sin to him. I asked for forgiveness. I tried not to explain away or deflect or blame something or someone else. The three of us: me, myself, and I, were fully and completely responsible for what was said and done.

To make matters even worse, several people witnessed my angry outburst. That meant I had to go to each of them and apologize. I felt like asking if anyone had some ketchup since I was eating so much crow!

There might be many ways to justify anger. Christians are especially good at claiming “righteous indignation” but anger is still anger and righteousness is rarely involved.

How about you? Have you “lost your cool” lately? Did you discuss it with your Heavenly Father and receive his forgiveness? Did you clean up the mess with the people involved? It may be hot outside, but you don’t have to be hot on the inside, too!