Being slow to anger is a part of the character of God and one He wants us to emulate. Have you ever been in an environment where someone quickly became angry? When someone becomes angry, it changes the atmosphere like a thunderstorm. Instead of creating a thunderstorm with our words and actions, the Lord wants us to bring peace in the storms of life.
A friend I know can bring calmness and peace when he enters the most challenging situation. A calm and peaceful person pushes back the anger like a fire extinguisher putting out the flames of a fire. James gives wise advice when he calls people to listen to advice on anger.James 1:19Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. [1]
Fruits of the Spirit Counter Anger
As we grow in faith, we also grow in the fruits of the Spirit. These enable us to be slow to become angry. Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. [2]
Each fruit of the fruit is like spiritual medicine to keep me from becoming angry quickly. These enable us to be quick to listen because we are patient. The fruits of the Spirit allow me to be slow to anger because they fill me with love, peace, and kindness. The key to God transforming us is to spend time with Him in worship, His word, and prayer. Like any other relationship, the people we spend time with change us. When we spend time with God, it affects us.
Quick to Listen
One of the keys to a good relationship is listening. Listening shows the other person that I am interested in what they say. The ability to listen is a mark of humility when I consider someone more important than myself. Philippians 2: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.[3]
When people are upset, they want to be listened to. Nothing is wrong if I struggle with not wanting to listen. Pray and ask God to help. The Lord knows our struggles and often prompts us to ask for help.
Prayer to Overcome Anger
Everlasting God, Your peace surpasses all my understanding. When anger rises, please calm my mind and soothe my heart with Your gentle words. Fill my whole life with Your perfect peace. May my personality be shaped by Your peace rather than my frustration. With Your Holy Spirit in my life, I can overcome anger. May I reflect Your character, being slow to anger and rich in steadfast love. Look upon me and cause Your face to shine on me. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.[4]
How can you be slow to anger? Listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-faith-in-action
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.
[4] https://connectusfund.org/13-powerful-prayers-for-overcoming-anger-and-resentment#:~:text=When%20anger%20rises%20within%20me,life%2C%20I%20can%20overcome%20anger.