The Box of Complaints

When we get mad at our cats, we often let fly with hurtful slurs and nicknames. Did "AreyoukiddingmeBob" really mean to track cat litter all through the house? Little Kitten Eddie just can’t resist climbing the drapes—but does he deserve an entire day of wrathful cursing?

The same holds true with anger at other people. We may feel miffed over a small matter. And maybe someone really did something unwise or rude or hurtful. Yet if we don’t communicate clearly, our injured feelings can spark out of control. The more we allow our frustration to smolder, the more likely that bit of anger will erupt into a wildfire. Whenever we hold a grudge or dole out punishment that doesn’t fit the crime (or grime), soon our own behavior can dwarf the original beef. Staying mad or resentful toward those we love only tends to squeeze us ever more tightly into the box of complaints.

The Bible tells us the tongue is a fire (James 3:6). Yet in the heat of the moment, it’s easy to forget and say unkind things to our cats, to inanimate objects, and sometimes even to our loved ones. Even though "DarnitRay" deserves a firm no for helping himself to your salmon filet, God knows we need healthy relationships to thrive. We humans can get so wrapped up in indignation or self-righteousness that we can forget how human we all are. Maybe that’s why God gives us a clear roadmap to restore relationships with those we truly love and care about.

God advises that we confess our sins so we can pinpoint our mistakes. It’s hard to ask for forgiveness if you don’t think you did anything wrong. This may not seem fair at first—no cat has ever been known to apologize. But forgiveness helps us let go of bitterness and resentment. Holding on to anger only spoils one’s outlook like so much tuna left in the sun. With forgiveness comes our opportunity to reconcile, reunite, and remember the value of our relationships.

Paws-itive Faith Step: Where in your life do you feel boxed in? Let go of anger, resentment, and bitterness that could be holding you back. Forgive others and forgive yourself.

Father, let me be slow to anger and quick to forgive with people as well as "fur-babies". Help me remember that if a cat can forgive, so can I.