Slow Down!

Sometimes when we get in a hurry accidents happen or mess-ups result. Taking the time to think through what we are doing and how we are doing it can not only save time in the long run (such as not having to fix it or do it all over again), but can also spare us needless frustration. Just as there is the need to slow down when entering "danger zones" so as to not hit something that can cause damage or injury, the same is true with regard to relationships. A "danger zone" in the realm of relationships is ANGER due to misunderstandings in our interaction with others. When we are too quick to react we can cause damage or injury to those relationships.

James exhorted toward understanding the wisdom of being quick to hear (or listen), slow to speak, and SLOW TO BECOME ANGRY. ( James 1:19) The problem with being quick to speak and quick to become angry is we may have too quickly come to the wrong conclusion about a situation. It is far too easy to quickly make assumptions that distort the reality of what may have transpired.

Solomon urged. . .
"Whoever is SLOW TO ANGER HAS GREAT UNDERSTANDING, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." ( Proverbs 14:29 ESV)

To exercise patience in challenging situations can be a sign of great wisdom. It is impatience that leads me to frustration and anger. Have you experienced that struggle as well? Being SLOW TO ANGER gives us time to think things through before we find ourselves assuming we know more of a situation than we might. It also holds the door open for calm communication to take place between parties for the sake of clarification and apology if needed.

The "GREAT UNDERSTANDING" may be revealed in considering perhaps it was myself who was wrong rather than the other person. We must be humble enough to admit this and flying off the handle makes it much harder to do later. Also, perhaps we did not communicate clearly and were therefore misunderstood. Perhaps the other person did not see us. Maybe they had other things on their mind. Perhaps they were having a bad day. Perhaps. . . . This is the wisdom of humility in giving others the benefit of the doubt rather than judgmentally assuming an intentional snub or wrong has been done.

Later in Proverbs we read Solomon's statement. . .
"GOOD SENSE MAKES ONE SLOW TO ANGER, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." ( Proverbs 19:11 ESV)

May we not be so fast in assuming we know more than we might. It is to our credit if we overlook an offense. Therefore, let us slow down and consider what we can do to make the situation or relationship better. It will be to our glory to be bigger than the situations that might otherwise bring us down.

Have a great day SHOWING GOOD SENSE IN DEALING WITH OTHERS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Anger