When you're feeling hurt or angry, it can be really hard to think straight and stay calm. But the Bible provides some helpful tools to help! Here are four things I like to do when someone has made me upset.
I read Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus’ math is not like ours. 70 x 7 =always. Over and over. Every day, I do and say things that hurt the heart of God. And every day, God forgives me, forever, because of Jesus. I thank God for His undeserved forgiveness. I ask God to help me forgive others like He forgives me.
I read 2 Corinthians 10:5-6
I ask God to captivate my thoughts. Am I meditating on truth, or my feelings? I ask others to pray for me to fix my mind on Jesus, not on myself.
I read James 3:5-9
My tongue is dangerous and I must be careful with my words. Are my words necessary? Are they whispered? Have I spoken with God first? I pray against gossip. I ask God to help me hold my tongue.
I read Ephesians 6:12
Especially if conflict is with another Christian, I must remember the real battle. We are not enemies. We are family. Satan and sin are enemies. When I point blame at others, instead of at evil, my might is wasted. My sin holds me captive. I ask God to show me any deep-down sin because I want a strong heart, not a hard one.
