Life Group
Community:
Thank you
for participating in discussion and reading scripture during LG on
Saturday. Our topic was how to replace
the Anger in our life with Wisdom and Peace.
The verses in Proverbs remind us of the difference between a wise person
and the reaction of the foolish. Being
wise could include: making a choice to control your words, be like-minded,
bearing with each other in love, being empathetic, not causing dissension, not
being quick to anger, seeking the good for one another, being patient, being
kind, etc.
One
commentary stated the cause of rage, anger, and hot-temperedness, is a failure
to let God be God and to trust that He is in control of all aspects of our
lives. The only exception is righteous
anger, which agrees with God’s anger.
In LG, we
provided a hand-out called Replacing Rage with Peace. My challenge for you this week is to work
through some of the 4 steps on the handout.
If you are like me, you may find it difficult to get past the first step
this week. However, it is necessary to
go through all steps, no matter how long it takes.
Be
Intentional.
Travis
Travis
REPLACING RAGE WITH PEACE
Step 1 Evaluate yourself
A.
What
do I do (or not do) at home that irritates my wife and children or my parents,
my brothers and sisters or apartment-mate.
B.
What
do I do (or not do) at church that irritates my fellow brothers and sisters in
Christ?
C.
What
do I do (or not do) at work that irritates my fellow employees?
D.
What
do I do (or not do) that irritates my friends?
Step 2 Evaluate your weaknesses in light
of your attitudes and actions toward other Christians
1. Do I expect more from others than I do
from myself?
2. Do I criticize others in the areas of
my own weaknesses?
Step 3 Make a list of Christians you have
difficulty relating to
·
If
you have a list ask yourself, why am I so angry with them?
·
Are
my feelings justified?
·
Are
they aware of how I feel?
·
Am
I upset with them because they remind me of myself?
Step 4 Consciously and deliberately
forgive every person who has ever done anything to hurt you
Talk to
each person to ask their forgiveness and make things right
Caution: Do not base your forgiveness on the condition
that they offer an apology. Take care of your own attitudes and eventually God
will take care of theirs.
