THINK Before You Speak in Anger
By Rick Warren
“Stupid people express their anger openly, but sensible people are patient and hold it back” (Proverbs 29:11 GNT).
Anger confounds many people in our world today. We simply don’t know how to handle our anger like we have in the past. One of the Bible’s simplest yet most profound answers for our anger comes in Proverbs 29:11: “Stupid people express their anger openly, but sensible people are patient and hold it back” (GNT).
Think before you speak. Delay is a tremendous remedy for anger. You don’t need to delay indefinitely. If you’ve got an issue you need to deal with, you need to do so. Anger delayed indefinitely becomes bitterness. That’s worse than anger. Anger isn’t always a sin. Bitterness is.
If you respond impulsively, you tend to respond in anger. If you wait to talk about whatever conflict you’re dealing with, you’ll be more rational and reasonable when you do. The longer you hold your temper, the better your response will be. Give yourself time to think.
When conflict arises and you give yourself time to think, what should you think about? Consider these five questions:
T:Is it truthful? Is what I’m about to say the truth?
H:Is it helpful? Or will it simply harm the other person?
I:Is it inspirational? Does it build up or does it tear down?
N:Is it necessary? If it’s not necessary, why do I need to say it?
K:Is it kind?
THINK before you speak. Reflect before you react. It’ll slow down your anger every time.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk It Over
Think back through a recent argument. Would more time before you responded have helped the situation?
Which question in the THINK acronym is most likely to be helpful to you when you’re angry?
What’s the biggest challenge to giving yourself more time before responding when you’re angry?
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Building My Life on Values That Last Guided Experience Book
$25,000 Matching Grant DOUBLES your gift!
In a world where what’s true and right seems to shift every day, it’s no wonder many people lead confused, unsatisfied lives.
That’s why Pastor Rick Warren put together a new resource called Building My Life on Values That Last. Which we want to send you to thank you for your gift below.
And for a limited time, a $25,000 Matching Grant will DOUBLE your gift to help even more people experience a joy-filled life through the hope found in Jesus!
So please give generously today – and get your copy of this vegan, leather-bound, full-color, beautifully illustrated guided study.
Building My Life on Values That Last reveals what God has to say about how you can:
• Be responsible
• Practice self-control
• Find balance
• Show respect
• Give and receive forgiveness
• Live honestly
• And love completely
We pray Building My Life on Values That Last helps you develop and apply God’s timeless values so you can experience a truly joy-filled life.
Thank you for your generosity!
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
