Temper...Do you have one?

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January 12, 2017

Do you ever stand your ground? Do you ever push back when someone is telling you something is fine when you know it’s not? Do you ever lose your temper because you’ve been told one thing only to find out what you were told was wrong? Do you ever lose your temper because you think you’ve been taken advantage off?

Sometimes in life it’s important to not be taken advantage of. Sometimes you have to stand your ground to teach others the right way to do things. Sometimes you have to be firm to not get kicked around like a soccer ball. However, if truth be told sometimes you just lose your temper and you try to find excuses for why you did. You try to justify your actions. You try making your actions seem acceptable, but deep down your heart knows.

In life there are definitely times to be strong, maybe even have a little attitude to get your point across, but it has to be a balance. It is not acceptable to go around acting like an attack dog. It is not acceptable to take your anger or frustration out on others. It is not acceptable to make people cry or feel inferior. Sometimes as hard as it is you have to bite your tongue and walk away even when you know you aren’t in the wrong.

Proverbs 14 shows a great contrast between the wise and the foolish on many things, but it mentions temper twice. In verse 29 it talks about patience providing great understanding, but quick tempered showing folly (lack of good sense). In verse 17 it says a quick tempered person does foolish things. How many times have you reacted in haste only to feel foolish later? How many times have you let the temper get the best of you that you feel remorseful later? How many times do you find yourself apologizing to someone because of the way you reacted? Sometimes it’s not even the words you say that are the actual problem, but how you say them.

Be cautious of your temperament. Be careful in your responses. Understand that your rash responses can have a negative impact on others and yourself. As Proverbs 15:18 says “a hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” Remember that your reaction can help or hinder situations.

Your temper needs to be kept in check. You need to control your anger. You may be calm majority of the time, but do you have a little junk yard dog hidden inside of you? Do you have a tendency to lash out? Do you know what you are capable of with the words you speak and the tone that you speak them? I’m not saying you have to be kicked around, but you do need to be cautious. You do need to learn to control your tongue and your temper.

People remember how you make them feel. What kind of witness are you when you lash out? How can people come to you with their concerns if they are afraid of you? How can people feel love and supported if you tear them down? There is a balance you just have to find it and use it accordingly!