**He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets** Matthew 12: 9
Part 3
Do you know anyone who never gets mad? Someone who always maintains control in any situation? I don’t. It seems to be a common flaw in every one of us to lose our temper at least once in a while.
It’s just a reality that everyone has their bad moments, at work, at home, with friends, or with family.
And then there are others that live in a constant state of anger, engulfed in nervousness, stress, frustrations,and irritations. At any moment, these Angry Birds can rise up and attack those around them.
But none of that can be used to describe Jesus Christ. He was the Quintessential example of self-control. He was a man of peace, focused on his purpose and the task of completing it.
He didn’t live in frustration of what to do with his life as so many do. Neither did he have extraordinary expectations of others. He knew what was in man and did not expect more. He accepted them as they were.
But he also offered them something better, giving each person a way out of their humanness. He continued to offer them hope and a solution to their anger or any other shortcoming, but He was not overly discouraged when they rejected what He offered or who He was. He allowed them to be free to choose their own path.
Jesus did not have the habit of running behind anyone to try to get them to listen to him.
He did what he was supposed to do, kept moving forward, never looking back and slept peacefully each night. Jesus didn’t come to Earth to control people, he came to rescue them from themselves. But if they chose not to be rescued He let them be. He did not respond with anger or frustration or a need to force them to see things his way.
2 Timothy tells us that…
** the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth**
Gentleness, patience and meekness….
All of these are characteristics of Jesus Christ as well, no? What Jesus Christ did, He asks of us. He was our example and now it is up to us be like him.
So, when that fiery anger rises up, let’s remember these words from Matthew..
**He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets**
Our only responsibility is to offer to others what we know and understand, gently, patiently and meekly. We can’t force them to listen, and we can’t make the decision for them.
It isn’t always easy to maintain this control over our emotions but it is what the Lord would have us to do. If we consider ourselves followers of Him, we need to be like Him.
Once we have done our part the response is up to the other person. We have no control over that.
So, let’s take some time to think about the person of Christ. When problems pop up, when arguments arise, when we are confused, frustrated, criticized or challenged for what we say or do… Whatever happens.. whether it comes from family or friends or from a stranger… let us ask God for the wisdom to respond with humility, peace, patience and gentleness.
Dealing with life through our anger will only cause more problems for us and for others.
May each of us learn to walk in peace.
Another look at anger issues…She hit me first!!