BE SLOW TO ANGER

Impulsive people are on the increase these days. Pressures of work and life along with ego tempt them to react in brash ways. They, without thinking of the consequences, react instead of responding to the situations that come across.  We are to guard ourselves not to be impulsive in our words and deeds so that we regret about it once it is said and done. As the Bible tells; Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (James 1:19-21).

While a man was polishing his new car, his 6 year old son picked up a stone and scratched lines on the side of the car. In anger, the man took the child's hand and hit it many times; not realizing he was using a wrench. At the hospital, the child’s fingers were to be amputated due to multiple fractures which were beyond saving. When the child saw his father; with painful eyes he asked, “Dad when will my fingers grow back?” The man was so hurt and speechless; he went back to his car and kicked it a lot of times. Devastated by his own actions, sitting in front of that car he looked at the scratches; the child had written 'LOVE YOU DAD'. The next day that man committed suicide…. If only he had anticipated the result of his rash action…! Patience and forgiving mind would have impelled him to pardon his child and it would have saved his own son’s fingers. I know a father who had pulled his son from the bed so forcefully that the head hit the floor and the son had brain damage. As a result the child is epileptic.  The father lives with guilt that haunts him always!

Anger and Love are two emotions that have no limits. We are to learn to choose the latter to have a beautiful, lovely life.  Things are to be used and people are to be loved. But the problem in today's world is that, people are used and things are loved.  

As it is rightly said, “Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits they become character; Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”