There is much debate in this nation as to how words can stir up anger, hatred and strife. This is such a powerful truth. Proverbs 15:18 (AMP) says: “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger and patient calms disputes.” Another version (AMPC) says: “he who is slow to anger appeases contention”. When we let anger take over our mental and emotional states, it removes the logical and common sense filters that allow us to “think before speaking or acting”. We then go on a word or action tirade, and once it’s finished, the damage is done. We have probably hurt others with our words or actions, and might even have destroyed relationships. In some cases, people can lose their job, their spouse, a friend, and in some cases, even land in jail for hurting or even killing someone in a fit of rage. Ephesians 4:26 (EHV) says:“ Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”. It’s not a sin to be angry. What is a sin is if you allow your anger to control your actions, thoughts and decisions, thus causing you to do things that are sinful in nature. Anger can be used constructively. You can break a bad habit if you get angry enough to begin the process of breaking the habit. In many cases, people will not do anything about a problem until they have had it and they can’t take it any more. Anger is a good servant but a bad master. So instead of immediately giving in to anger, be slow to anger. Let patience have it’s work in the midst of the challenges of life. In doing so, you will be known as the person who can appease or calm potentially dangerous contentions and disputes. This way, issues will be resolved instead of relationships being destroyed. God is the God of peace, not of dissension and contention! We are His people, so let’s flow with His nature!
Sorry, I had the wrong perception about them.
Perception is a powerful thing. Correctly utilized, it can help you in every area of your life. We have been given the gift of perception, which is the capacity to observe situations or people in such a way that we can discern potential problems or opportunities. Some can even perceive if people are being honest or dishonest. Perception is an awareness of the elements of environment through physical senses or a calculated interpretation of people, actions, words or even their body language. Perception however, can become a serious problem if not properly harnessed and counter-balanced with reality, facts, and the counsel of others. In Matthew 13, 54-58, there were some people in Nazareth who could not understand who Jesus was. They had a wrong perception and impression of Jesus. They even wondered where He got His authority from, being that He was just a carpenter’s son. they took offense at Him and refused to believe in Him. Someone once said: “Perception is more real to some than reality itself.” Read that quote again. Many live their lives making wrong assumptions about things and even develop incorrect perceptions about people and situations. the problem about that is if you start with a wrong perception about someone or some situation, everything you think from that moment on will be wrong. This has caused divorces, people losing their jobs, brethren offended at each other because of a wrong initial perception or impression. Proverbs 14:12 says: “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Pray everyday for clear discernment and perception. First impressions can be lasting impressions, but first impressions many times are wrong impressions because we don’t have all of the facts. Therefore, before you make a decision about anything, ensure that you have the right perspective, impression and perception. Always remember: Right perception based on clear facts and truth is powerful and highly beneficial, but wrong perception based on emotions or wrong impressions can be disastrous.
