No Offense Sýnishorn

Watch Your Mouth

Have you ever blurted something out in a moment of anger that you instantly wished you could take back? 

It happens to everyone at some point, which is probably why James advises us to: 

… be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry … James 1:19 NIV

From the moment we get angry, our brain reacts by firing up our amygdala, which is the fight-or-flight part of the brain. From there, the body starts releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This shuts down the more rational prefrontal cortex, meaning that we aren’t thinking as clearly when we’re angry. 

So it’s no wonder our anger often gets the best of us. But there’s hope! If we can be slow to anger, we can also be slow to respond. And if we train ourselves to be curious instead of confrontational, we can shut down some of that anger before it starts. 

When you feel anger coming on, try asking questions instead of drawing conclusions. Don’t assume you know someone’s intentions, but listen to understand their perspective. 

And if you feel the anger boiling over, take a second to pause and excuse yourself before you say something hurtful. 

Anger can be so dangerous when we react quickly, responding to our hurt with hurtful words. But Ephesians 4:29 NIV reminds us: 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up …  

Even in anger, we’re called to build one another up, not tear one another down. Paul goes on to write: 

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NIV

It’s hard to be compassionate and angry at the same time. So when you find yourself overcome with anger, ask God to give you compassion. Struggling to do that? Remember how gracious God has been to you. 

Scripture reminds us that God doesn’t treat us as we deserve, but He extends grace. His mercies are new every morning. He never runs out of patience with us. 

It’s difficult to harbor anger against someone else when we remember how much we’ve been forgiven through Christ. 

Pray: God, thank You for being slow to get angry with us. Thank You for your grace, love, and compassion, and help me extend Your love to others today, even when I’m angry or frustrated. In Jesus’ name, amen.