Target Point, Vol. 18 of 31 Today's Verse/Thought: A Valuable Commodity
But You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness, and you did not forsake them. Nehemiah 9:17
Life Implication:
It has been said that authority with love builds value. Anger with love builds value. Properly managed anger toward another individual EXPRESSES CARE. Instead of destroying an individual, it takes a dignified approach, probing for truth while building up that person. God was angry with His people (Israelites) because He cared so greatly for them. When God disciplines us, we know we are loved and cared for. We know we are truly His child.
Doubtless you have held up your hand and had someone push their hand against yours. What happens? The harder they push, the harder you push back. It's a natural and basic reaction. So it is with responding to someone harshly. If you are harsh toward someone, the natural tendency is for the other person to respond in kind.
However, in the same way, kindness begets kindness. It has been said that being kind is more important than being right. The scripture says, A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1. Verse two goes on to say that the tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly . . .
Don't we all want to be loved and affirmed when reprimanded?
Life Application:
Next time you feel the heat of anger welling up inside you, STOP and REMEMBER how you like to be treated. Whisper a prayer for God to help you to respond with kindness and with wisdom. Try saying to the individual who is making you angry: You know I care about you deeply (or love you, if appropriate), and you need to know that I am not rejecting you. But what you did made me feel very upset, etc., etc. . You will most likely find that the person you are angry with will soften and you will be able to have a positive and healthy discussion about that which is concerning you.
Tomorrow In TargetPoint:
Me, Myself and I