It blows up. It melts everything in its path. Its blast is as powerful as a nuclear explosion!

Well, maybe not—but anger can feel like a volcano when it is aimed at someone close to us. The moment may be over quickly—but angry blow-outs can leave a lot of lasting pain behind.

It’s sad that the people closest to us are most often the targets of our unkind words. But even when we feel they deserve it, we have a choice. The Bible tells us to get rid of bitterness and anger, and to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (EPH. 4:32). Will we act in anger or show the kindness we have already been shown by Jesus?

If you are struggling with angry feelings, you can give even these feelings to Jesus to handle in His strength (PHIL. 4:13). Ask God to forgive you for any hurt you have caused and to help you to be brave enough to say sorry to the people you’ve been mean to. And then ask God to teach you how to look out for others above yourself, no matter how you may be feeling (ROM. 12:10). It’s also a good idea to have a Christian friend or mentor to pray with if you’re struggling to control your anger.

By focusing on loving others and pleasing God, we can win the victory over volcanic anger.

By: Cindy Hess Kasper

To Pray About . . .

Lord, please give me strength and patience to love others, instead of getting angry with them.