James 1:19 CEB “Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry.”
We tend to get angry quickly these days, and we express anger anywhere and anytime; in the bank, traffic, restaurants, registration centres, market, and at home too, a place where we ought to rest and be refreshed. Many times because we want things done faster; we want to get to certain places faster, we want to end meetings earlier, we want faster service; we are generally in a hurry, delays get us frustrated and worked up.
Why do we really get angry? Because things are not being done as planned or expected. Think about it: that’s why bosses are angry with subordinates; that’s why customers are angry with their service providers; that’s why parents are angry with their children; that’s why spouses are angry with each other; and so on. We get angry because our expectations are not being met. We expect better services and better treatment – from the government, employers, family, friends, neighbours, spouses, etc.
I think it will help to understand that things will not always work out as planned; that people have their own wills; that not everyone is okay; that people and systems are imperfect; and that certain things are just beyond control. That’s not to excuse inefficiencies and incompetence, but to help you control your emotions. Especially when anger will not solve the problem! Why cry over spilt milk? Sometimes there’s really no need for anger: he almost hit your car but didn’t, so just drive on! Do you understand? Reserve your energy for more productive purposes, overlook some things, go slow.
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