Scripture
Proverbs 19:11 “People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.”
Observation
Anger can be a horrible thing. It destroys relationships. It tears apart families. It is a spiritual cancer than can lead to unforgiveness and bitterness. Anger will never go away. In other words there will never be a time when I will not get angry. It does not go away, it has to be restrained. I have to control my anger. The Bible says to sin not when I am angry. How do I restrain my anger? I accomplish this by overlooking wrongs. I have a choice to make. I can focus and think about the wrongs people have done to me or I can overlook them. I can choose not to make their wrongs my focus. It is a battle that takes place in the mind. What I choose to focus on, will control my emotions. If I choose to overlook their wrongs, my emotions will stay in check. I will restrain anger. If I choose to think about the bad things people have done to me, my emotions will rage. I will become angry and my heart will be in danger of growing bitter. Focus is the key. I overlook the wrongs of others.
Application
Everyday offers the opportunity to get offended. People say and do stupid things. I can choose not to be offended. I can grant others mercy and grace. I can overlook wrongs. Anger is a horrible evil. I say things I regret, when I am angry. I do things that hurt others, when I am angry. I have to restrain my anger by choosing what to focus on.
Prayer
Father, I do not want to be the kind of person that is easily offended. I want to grant others mercy and grace. I want to have good sense and restrain my anger. I want to give others the benefit of the doubt and overlook their wrongs. Holy Spirit develop the fruit of the Spirit within me. I want to be patient, kind, gentle, meek, loving, etc. I want to treat others like Christ treated me. Change me. Make me like Jesus.
