This week: Ever Get Angry?
Next week: On Being Single

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Thursday, November 17, 2011

Today's Scripture
"Love is kind and patient,never jealous, boastful,proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive,loyal, hopeful,and trusting."1 Corinthians 13:4-7 CEV

Thoughts for Today
Sometimes we expect too much from others—and ourselves. Then we become angry when our expectations are not met.

Be realistic in your expectations of others and of yourself. One of the quickest ways to overcome hurt and anger, even prevent it, is to adjust your expectations. Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Today's scripture describes God's kind of love. Kind. Patient. Never selfish or quick tempered.

God's Word also makes it clear that no one is perfect. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, walked the earth to live and then to die for our sins. When we come to him, we are forgiven. But as long as we are on this earth, we will struggle with our own fleshly desires. And sometimes we will temporarily lose the struggle. But God extends us his unconditional love and grace to us, and we need to extend that same love and grace to others.

Consider This...
Take time to check your expectations of others and yourself. Are they appropriate and realistic? List those things that upset you, irritate you. Look at the list. Are the needs and expectations legitimate? Be honest. Deal with those that are unrealistic; otherwise, you will continue to become angry over them.

Prayer
Father, forgive me for any unrealistic expectations I have of others and of myself. Help me to walk in love, not in anger. Help me to be kind and patient, never selfish or quick tempered. Teach me not to keep a record of wrongs. Help me always to be supportive, hopeful, and trusting. Help me to extend the grace to others that you so freely give me. In Jesus' name . . .

Anger: Our Master or Our Servant by Larry Heath. This study offers a clear explanation of anger, what causes it, and how to recognize when you are sinning with anger. It not only ministers to church members, but serves as a powerful evangelistic tool. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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