God has given me a bible verse to focus on in 2018

James 1:19 - James the brother of Jesus says:

“19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”

Anger isn’t always bad, but most of us don’t know how to handle anger.  I grew up in a home where anger was how we demonstrated hurt, frustration and pain.  Anger creates collateral damage, burning bridges, and breaking relationships.  

“We can be right, but wrong at the top of our voice”  - Emerson Eggerichs, Love and Respect.

When we are slow to get angry – we can have honest conversation

When we are slow to get angry – we protect relationships and build trust.

Here’s a few ways to avoid damaging quick anger:

                Create margin in our lives.

                Avoid toxic people that wound our souls and model anger.

                Fill our minds with scripture.

                Verbalize our hurt in a way the defuses the explosion.

As I work on this in 2018, I want my wife most of all to know that these three things are my top priority in 2018:

Be Quick to Listen

Be Slow to Speak

Be Slow to become Angry