Anger

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. Proverbs 15:1 HCSB

Ooh! Don't we know this is true! This is why having God as the third strand in a relationship is important, where it is personal or corporate. His advice always counts.

There are times when a person can really irritate and get under our skin. It is best to take space and pray on our upset, seeking God for His answer. In the last few years of my working life I had someone who was a burr in my saddle. It kept me close to God.

We have to wonder why. Why am I so annoyed? Why does this person irritate me? Is there something I need to change in myself? Sometimes there is. Sometimes we just need to resist the devil and his accusations against that person and start praying for them.

I have heard a few preachers speak about this topic and how they personally deal with it. I think the best was Bill Johnson. He regularly takes communion amd prays God's blessing on his enemies. It keeps his heart free from rancor.

After all, anger is our problem not the burrs. A soft answer can change things. Amen!