Control Your Emotions

refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil. (Psalm 37:8 NIV)

Mike Singleterry, who played for the Chicago Bears football team, was a star player - and a Christian. One day, however, they were losing, and the hometown fans became ugly and threw insults at him. He didn't like it. The TV cameras trained on Singleterry's face as he glowered at the crowd. Suddenly he lost his temper and started toward the stands, shouting back. It wasn't his finest hour. But after the game may have been one of Mike's finest hours. That's when he met with the press and apologized. No excuses, no blaming: just an apology. His emotions had gotten out of control and he took responsibility. Perhaps Singleterry had read these words: "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (Pr 19:11 NIV).

As you go through life people will offend you. Sometimes it will be deliberate, other times it will be inadvertent. The question is - what are you going to do about it?

Spiritually mature people discipline their emotions and make sure they accurately reflect reality. They can be sad, joyful, angry or elated in appropriate ways at appropriate times. They refuse to allow their emotions to determine their conduct, attitude, or choices. One Christian author writes: "When I feel things going against me, when feelings of anger and resentment begin to rise, it's time to stop and ask what's happening. Is this for the greater good, or not? Is God speaking to me, or isn't He? Will my flesh rule this moment, or my Spirit?" That's good advice for you too!

Bible Readings: 2 Cor 9:1 - 11:15, Mark 14:66-72, Ps 52, Pr 21:17

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