Processing emotion

Emotions can be hard to contain. When we're offended, or hurt, or facing something we feel is unfair, our natural, emotion-led reactions can flare right up. Some of us get aggressive and confrontational, or allow bitterness to quietly creep through our thoughts and alter our outlook. Understandable, yes. But our initial, emotional reaction doesn't have to define how we act. The Bible warns us of what will happen if we keep hold of that first-off feeling for too long: '"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold' (Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV).

It's clear what God's trying to get across here. By allowing anger and resentment to stay in us, we can get to a place where the lines of what's healthy for us become blurred. We're also told: 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God' (Matthew 5:9 NIV) and 'Fools give full vent to their rage' (Proverbs 29:11 NIV).

Decision: are we going to play the fool and allow anger to build a wall within us? Or are we going to make the choice to swallow our raw emotions and move on to forgiveness?



So what now? Next time you feel anger start to bubble up, write down what you feel - and then use your writing as the basis of prayer. Or, if you really need to express verbally, find someone wise to chat to, to help you process and pray through the issues.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Don't sin by letting anger control you.' Ephesians 4:26 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

Matt 5:4, Ps 30, Rom 12:15