"Love is Not Easily Angered"

40 Days of Love, #5 (adapted with permission from Rick Warren, Oct.11 2008)
Oct.22, 2017 at LWCF - Eph.4:22-32 Play AUDIO (32 kbps mp3)

 “Love is not easily angered.”  1 Cor. 13:5 (NIV)
HOW DO YOU TAME YOUR TEMPER?

1.    RESOLVE to manage it

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”  Pr. 29:11 (LB)

2.    REMEMBER THE COST

“A hot-tempered man . . . gets into all kinds of trouble.”  Pr. 29:22 (LB)
Pr. 15:18 (GN)  “Hot tempers cause arguments.”
Pr. 14:29 (LB)  “… anger causes mistakes.”
Pr. 14:17 (GN)  “People with hot tempers do foolish things.”
“The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left.”  Pr. 11:29 (LB)   

3.    REFLECT BEFORE REACTING

“A stupid man gives free rein to his anger; a wise man waits and lets it grow cool.” Pr. 29:11 (NEB)
“A man’s wisdom gives him patience.”  Pr. 19:11 (NIV)
Ask 3 questions
“Lord, help me control my tongue; help me be careful about what I say.” Psalm 141:3 (NCV)
“Drinking too much makes you loud and foolish. It’s stupid to get drunk.” Pr. 20:1 (TEV)

4.     RELEASE MY ANGER APPROPRIATELY

“If you become angry, don’t let your anger lead you into sin.” Eph. 4:26 (GN)
“A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.”  Pr. 15:1 (TEV)

5.    RE-PATTERN YOUR MIND

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2a (NLT)
“Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them …”  Pr. 22:24 (LB)

6.    RELY ON GOD’S HELP

“Patience and encouragement come from God. I pray God will help you all agree with each other the way Christ Jesus wants.”  Rom. 15:5 (NCV)
 “The fruit of the Spirit is... patience.”  Gal. 5:22 (NIV)
 “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Mt. 12:34 (NLT)
 “I’ll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God-willed, not self-willed.” Ezekiel 36:26 (Mes)