Exploding

Exploding

Melissa Taylor

I was in shock as I watched the explosion of anger on the field. A man was screaming rude and venomous words—words you don’t want your child to hear. When the Little League umpire made a game-deciding call the coach didn’t like, the coach made sure everyone knew how much he disagreed. He got in the umpire’s face expressing his irate opinion in no uncertain terms. To drive home his point, he marched across the field to the opposing team’s coach and shouted in his face too. This man had come completely unglued, spewing his anger on everyone around him.

The coach’s lack of self-control and harsh words brought down two teams of Little Leaguers, their parents, and the officials. His uncontrolled explosion caused a ripple effect that ruined what should have been a great day for many people.

Maybe you’ve been caught in the path of an exploder too. One minute you’re at a happy family gathering and before you know it, a feud between your uncle and cousin escalates into a shouting match. One of them storms out, everyone else is stressed out and sad, and the day is ruined.

Perhaps you’re at work ready to tackle the day, only to be met by a disgruntled boss. He barks a few negative words and suddenly you are left walking on eggshells.

It could be that the explosive actions that make you tense are from someone closer—a spouse or a child. Or maybe the harsh behavior is coming from … you.

The teaching of Scripture is that we are to use our words to build others up. We are to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31). Yet, too often we react before considering this truth or a better response.

Sometimes curbing our anger and choosing calm words isn’t what we want to do, or at times even feel capable of doing. Whether we are on the receiving end of the explosion or the giving end, we have a choice of what words and tone we use.

God’s Word encourages us to respond with grace and self-control. By doing this, not only will our lives have less stress and more peace, but we will build up instead of tear down those around us.

Dear Lord, help me think about how my words and actions affect those around me. I want to honor You in all I say and do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

You have a choice of what words and tone you use when responding to others.

REFLECT

How can you apply Ephesians 4:31 to your life today?

RESPOND

For the next twenty-four hours, fast from angry (explosive) words. When confronted with a person or situation that pushes your buttons, curb your anger and choose calm words.

POWER VERSES

Ephesians 4:31; Proverbs 15:1