Lately, I’ve been angry. Though I can’t stand admitting so, it’s the truth, and what good is a blog without truth? Yes, my anger is what I would classify “righteous anger,” but it is certainly not right. Even righteous anger can be handled the wrong way. Whether our children are fully aware of our situations or not, they are sensitive to what is going on in the lives of their parents. So when I am wrestling with my emotions over a seemingly ongoing situation (and no, it’s not my marriage), my demeanor changes, and my joy ceases to overflow. In it’s place is a flat, somewhat stale version of who I am. How much fun is it to live on the receiving end of this kind of parenting? Not much, I’m sure.
Here’s what I always realize when those less-than-Christ-like attitudes start exposing themselves: a bitter woman is not the enduring legacy I hope to leave, so I had better get an AAA (adult attitude adjustment). So what does this adjustment look like? Well, it’s pretty basic and goes something like this.
1. Go to God!
God gave us His Word to go to for everything–so go there. Don’t stroll, but run. If you can’t physically flip the pages, listen to an audio version in your car, at the kitchen sink, or wherever you are. If you need some great resources, join our Facebook group page where we will post some wonderful links.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. Fight Fair!
Remember to let God fight your battles for you. Don’t start micro managing and getting wrapped up in things that are nothing more than barbed wire for your soul. Wake up and put on God’s armor. He will use every situation to teach and shape you to be more like Him.
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world. So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up.
Ephesians 6:11-13
3. Kill Them With Kindness!
It’s true—you attract more flies with honey than vinegar. God wants us to love others, and that’s not a suggestion—it’s a command. No matter how hard it is, we need to pray for our enemies and extend grace because we have been given grace. That can be so hard sometimes, but remember: everyone you encounter is on her own journey dealing with her own issues, and it’s not about you. Keep your chin up and head down as you walk in grace and love well.
And he said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Matthew 22:37-39
What about you—have you ever had one (or several) of these kinds of foul attitude days? Boy, they gnaw at you like a mosquito bite that just keeps itching no matter how much you scratch. You have the option to become a hermit, never going outdoors because you know those little nuisances are waiting. But that’s probably not the best (and definitely not the biblical) solution. So when you find you’re entering the lion’s den, remember: God is there, He is with you, and you will come through more refined in the character traits He desires you to possess—all while showing your children how to handle emotions in the process. Yes, righteous anger is real, but just make sure you deal with it right and get an AAA when needed!
Saved by Grace,
Gabbie
