Target Point, Vol. 21 of 31 Today's Verse/Thought: Grounds for Divorce
Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Romans 14:19
Life Implication:
Yesterday, we talked about the fact that properly managed anger keeps the relationship. Part of the process of preserving a meaningful relationship with an individual when you find yourself angered over something that has occurred, is that properly managed anger EXPRESSES CONCERN. The word concern is an antonym of the word indignation. While concern goes to the heart of the matter and focuses on the problem rather than upon the individual, indignation focuses on self, how it hurt me.
Personal indignities . . . is listed under Other Grounds for Divorce for nearly every state in our union. Indignation is synonymous with anger and hostility. It stems from a feeling of having been wronged and results in humiliating, degrading, or abusive treatment. A German philosopher once said, No man lies so boldly as the man who is indignant. Remember that our Lord said the devil is the father of lies.
Life Application:
Watch, look and listen today! WATCH for what makes you begin to feel angry. LOOK for the cause of that anger. LISTEN to your heart's response and ask yourself if you are focusing on the problem rather than upon the individual involved.
If you find you are focusing on the problem while feeling concern for the individual involved . . . Congratulations! That's great progress! But, if you are not expressing concern for the individual and you are just plain indignant, then it's time again to run to the cross! Ask the Lord to help you focus on the problem. Ask the Lord to CARE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL (you are angry with) THROUGH YOU.
Remember, growing out of destructive anger into constructive anger is a process that takes time. And the only place I know to do that is under the protective covering and counsel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor Jack Hayford once referred to the Holy Spirit as The Great Psychiatrist. But He can only be that to you if you let Him!
Tomorrow In TargetPoint:
Table Turning Wrath