“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
Proverbs 14:29
This probably isn’t big news to most of us – a quick temper is not a Godly trait. This proverb points out that, basically, a wise man has control of his temper while a foolish man does not. Again, this may not be a real shock to anyone, but it is important.
The truth is, while we may believe these words and agree upon their truth, many of us do not live by them. Don’t be fooled, Jesus didn’t come to take away the words of the Old Testament, but to fulfill them perfectly. That is to say that Jesus lived this proverb out just as God intended, and we are called to live just as Jesus did. It is our command as Christians to be slow to anger and to be in control of our temper.
There were many times in the gospel that people expected Jesus to get angry, but he didn’t. Instead, he showed compassion. Where we would often see a situation that we believe justifies anger, Christ would see a situation that called for compassion.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m feeling angry at someone, I don’t often adopt an attitude of compassion for that person. However, that’s the approach that Christ took, and it shows a great example of wisdom and understanding. Anger stirs up trouble. It makes people defensive. It turns people against each other. It clouds judgement and incites violence.
Compassion yields forgiveness. Compassion resolves problems. Compassion unites and builds up.
It is clear what the better of the two alternatives is, but it’s definitely not easy.
Let us pray for the gift of compassion, to see people as Jesus did and to give them grace as he has given it to us.
Prayer:
Father,
Help me to meet every situation with compassion, even when I’m tempted to be angry. Help me to seek unity, forgiveness, and understanding, rather than anger or vengeance.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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