Not A Foolish Fueler!

Sometimes we run into a grouchy or angry person during the course of a day’s activities. Do we respond to them in an UNDERSTANDING way or do we instead end up fueling what they are already feeling? Have we every stopped to wonder if they started out the day in that kind of mood or if perhaps there were a number of things experienced which gradually fed the attitude being displayed? Consider our own life. When we end up in a bad mood, is it like a switch was suddenly turned on, did we just decided at some moment “I think I’ll be a grouch for a while”, or were there various incidents which led up to that state?

Solomon exhorted…
“Whoever is slow to anger HAS GREAT UNDERSTANDING, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” ( Proverbs 14:29 ESV)

Perhaps the first thing the truly UNDERSTANDING person does is honestly admits how such a disposition may arise in their own life. With that awareness, when the first pangs of frustration in an encounter with such a person are felt, rather than getting angry themselves, there is the UNDERSTANDING that this person may have had earlier encounters in the day that did not go too well. We may be talking about a waiter or waitress who isn’t presently giving us the service we expected, the not so pleasant checker at the grocery store, a fellow employee at work, a classmate at school, a teacher, a parent, a child, etc. The UNDERSTANDING person gives them the benefit of the doubt as thought is given to the possibility that other things may have fed the soured attitude presently being displayed. Why add to it when being slow to anger may give this person the chance to take a much needed breath and calm down.

May we respond to others in ways which, instead of fueling, will help to put a damper on the churning fire within that might have been kindled by others. Our kindness and patience not only has the potential to help transform their mood, but in the process will also spare others whom they will encounter through the rest of the day. Remember there can be great power in a soft answer. ( Proverbs 15:1)

Have a great day REVEALING WISDOM IN RESPONDING!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Anger