Learning To Control My Reactions Is Good For Me

In summary of Proverbs 29:11 it says, “Foolish people express their anger openly, but a wise and sensible person will be patient and hold their anger back.”

Bottom Line:
“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back”

What this means to me:
A foolish person will lose their temper and vent (letting it all hang out), but a wise person learns (based on experience) to hold their anger back.  In life, I can’t always control what happens to me, but I can control my reaction to it.  God’s Word shows me that maturity and responsibility will be evident in my life when I can handle the pressures and pains that come my way without becoming stressed out or angry.  I need to remember what Jesus said,, “On judgment day, people will have to give an account for every careless word they've said." (Matthew 12:36 GWT.)  So to be responsible I need to put my mind in gear before I put my mouth into motion, in other words “think before I speak.”  I also need to keep in mind that my verbal response isn't’ all that I need to watch.  I need to be conscious of my actions and motives as they are key indicators of my true feelings.  So instead of letting an issue get the best of me, I need to counter and conquer it by doing good, "Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good." (Romans 12:21 LB)  Its also key for me to not attempt to get even with those who might hurt me, as I would be no better off than the person who did me wrong.  Forgiving that person is a great way of returning good for evil.  Then I trust and let God settle the score in his own way and his own timing.  The key is for me to control my reactions to what is occurring to me.  I need to show show love the way He would.  Today God I ask you to help me control my reactions and to handle things the way you have pointed out to me in your word.