Admitting the Problem

The first step to recovering from the sinful pattern of anger is to admit that anger is a problem. Anger itself is not a sin, it is a God-given emotion. An emotion or feeling is neutral. Anger becomes a sin when it is allowed to become a way of life in the way we react. It becomes a sinful lifestyle when excuses are made or when blame is placed somewhere else. For example, how often I have made excuses such as these:

I've got Irish blood. I guess I just inherited that fiery temper as well! It's in my genes.
If only my children would listen to me, then I wouldn't have to yell!
I just have to be honest, straight-forward. That's just how I was made.
I just can't hold in my feelings. I've got to let them out!

If I got more or better sleep at night, then I wouldn't have this problem!
Oh, it must be hormones. I have really bad PMS! Watch out!

As long as we continue to make excuses for lashing out in an angry or harsh way, there will be no healing, no recovery, no change. So, I proclaim today, no more excuses. With the Lord's help, I will get to the bottom of this issue. I will pray that God shines the light on the depths of my soul. I will overcome. He is my help and my strong tower.

I am amazed at the changes just within the last couple of days. I truly believe it is mostly God's grace in showing me the "no more excuses" policy, and for seeing an angry tongue for what it really is and for the damage that it can truly do in a person's life, not only to the one who is struggling, but the people who are on the receiving end of these tirades. There are WAY too many verses in the Bible regarding anger and the tongue to overlook or excuse away.

I will share a small victory from today. This may seem so insignificant to some, but for me, I see God's grace written all over it. The incident occurred while driving home with my children in the van today. For some reason, our van has an electrical glitch of some kind with the radio. Abraham accidentally hit the radio button from the backseat while I was listening to one of my favorite songs, singing away, mind you! My first inclination was to scrunch my brows and say, "Abraham, what did you do? (in an irritated voice) Instead, I calmly said, "Can you please not touch the dash again?" He nodded. Well, approximately 2 minutes later, the song changes abruptly again. Again, my first gut reaction was angry brows, huffs, and elevated voice. But, I slowly said, "Please stop and don't touch it." Abraham said he was sorry, and that was that.

Ah, the victory was sweet. A gentle word certainly turns away wrath. Now, you may be thinking, you've lost it, Tina. Well, maybe I have just found it. I have known the Lord for about 9 years now, and yes, I have struggled with this issue throughout. But his grace is truly sufficient, and He is such a loving, forgiving and kind Savior. What a merciful God we serve. Even when we react in our flesh, His Spirit lovingly convicts us and brings us the truth of what we are doing. This is love. This is God loving His children.

I hope my honesty will help you in your journey with our Father as well. Bless you tonight.