Beside the Well
Okay, sometimes I just have to record what I have learned. No fancy effort to write, but simply share what God has shown me. So here goes! Sixteen things you can do to help tame anger from Burroughs on the Beatitudes.
1. Value meekness over all attitudes. Meekness is strength under control!
2. Covenant each day to hold anger back for that one day. Wait until evening to be angry, then, look at the peace the day held. Extend it by practicing day-by-day or hour-by-hour if necessary.
3. Humble yourself and make right with others by an open apology for your outburst or unkindness or impatience. Eat that humble pie!
4. Notice when smoke appears. This is the first hint of anger. Don’t let it smolder. Pour the water of the Word on it! 1 Corinthians 13:5
5. Understand ahead of time that some things will cross your will. It is a test from God. Can you bear your cross?
6. Remember your own weaknesses. Bear with all men because they all have flaws, including you.
7. Labour to keep thy peace with God. For from within is the source of passion. A heart at peace with God rarely blows up!
8. Convince yourself that nothing is done well in anger, but better done out of it. James 1:20
9. Learn to divert your passion. Go and pray before responding. Turn anger into love. Don’t nurse it and rehearse it!
10. Do not multiply words. Refuse to shout or argue.
11. Avoid the stress of over-extending yourself. Burroughs wrote: “when men will have many irons in the fire, more than God calls them to, no marvel though their fingers be burnt.” (p 85)
12. Mind your own business. Avoid micromanaging.
13. Ask yourself before you respond, “Is this a trap of Satan?”
14. What would Jesus do? What is His example? Remember, He is meek and lowly in heart.
15. Be aware and prepared for the temptation to lose your temper. Look where you are going. Leave the situation if necessary.
16. Remember your own wretchedness and cut others some slack. Exercise grace and forgiveness to those who incite you. Ephesians 4:31-32
2. Covenant each day to hold anger back for that one day. Wait until evening to be angry, then, look at the peace the day held. Extend it by practicing day-by-day or hour-by-hour if necessary.
3. Humble yourself and make right with others by an open apology for your outburst or unkindness or impatience. Eat that humble pie!
4. Notice when smoke appears. This is the first hint of anger. Don’t let it smolder. Pour the water of the Word on it! 1 Corinthians 13:5
5. Understand ahead of time that some things will cross your will. It is a test from God. Can you bear your cross?
6. Remember your own weaknesses. Bear with all men because they all have flaws, including you.
7. Labour to keep thy peace with God. For from within is the source of passion. A heart at peace with God rarely blows up!
8. Convince yourself that nothing is done well in anger, but better done out of it. James 1:20
9. Learn to divert your passion. Go and pray before responding. Turn anger into love. Don’t nurse it and rehearse it!
10. Do not multiply words. Refuse to shout or argue.
11. Avoid the stress of over-extending yourself. Burroughs wrote: “when men will have many irons in the fire, more than God calls them to, no marvel though their fingers be burnt.” (p 85)
12. Mind your own business. Avoid micromanaging.
13. Ask yourself before you respond, “Is this a trap of Satan?”
14. What would Jesus do? What is His example? Remember, He is meek and lowly in heart.
15. Be aware and prepared for the temptation to lose your temper. Look where you are going. Leave the situation if necessary.
16. Remember your own wretchedness and cut others some slack. Exercise grace and forgiveness to those who incite you. Ephesians 4:31-32
So, there you have it. Wise instruction from the 1600’s that could have been written today. The secret is to not just read it and agree, but to take it on and start practicing!
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