Today’s Reflection
When you get angry, go back to yourself, and take very good care of your anger. And when someone makes you suffer, go back and take care of your suffering, your anger. Do not say or do anything. Whatever you say or do in a state of anger may cause more damage in your relationship.
—Thich Nhat Hanh, “First Things First,” in Anger: Minding Your Passion, compiled by Amy Lyles Wilson (Fresh Air Books, 2010)
Today’s Question
When you are angry, do you go to the person who has upset you? How might you first “take care of your suffering, your anger”? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Hatred stirs up strife,
but love covers all offenses.
—Proverbs 10:12 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
Almighty God, search me and know me. Shine a light on my innermost thoughts and feelings, even those I try to hide. Give me courage to name the sources of my anger and wisdom to learn from them. Amen.
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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2 Comments
There was a time when I got angry far easier than these days. I’ve not found anger to be helpful. It’s a waste of energy. If I were to be come angry with the pereson who upsets me most, it would make things worse. Being angry with people who, are mentally illl, makes no sense.
Hopefully there are discussions underway that may help resolve this issue. It has taken a long time, and nothing has improved, despite a lot of effort. I keep trying and with God’s guidance a solution will be found. Thank You, Lord.
I agree with Robert. Acting on my anger when the other person has lashed out in anger only escalates the situation. Nothing gets resolved and there are hurt feelings and sometimes things are said that leave lasting scars. Anger does no good and I have learned to release it quickly and remain silent allowing the other time to get their feelings under control. Young people seem to indulge in anger quickly.
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