Read: James 1:19-21

When God talks about rebuilding his garden or Kingdom, he is not talking about geography - because the whole world is his. He is talking about a way of life and a set of core values. We become an inhabitant of God's garden, or kingdom, when we live out God's values. And the first values James talks about is emotional self control.

Anger is a much maligned emotion. Some are convinced that it is wrong to feel anger. But if we pay close attention to James' proverb, we see that he is not taking issue with angry feelings, but angry actions. Because he says angry actions are destructive to relationships, and they are the cost of all kinds of evil.

James is talking about a very grassroots kind of evil. He means bad things. He means the damage we do to others when we act out our anger without consideration of how it impacts the people we act it out on. James says living this way does not bring about the garden lifestyle God desires of us.

James encourages us to cultivate a long fuse, so we have sufficient time to listen and understand - both the person we are mad at, the circumstances surrounding the conflict, as well as the nerve in us that is triggered. instead of escalating the conflict by what we do or say, we listen. And we try and understand.

And we find a way to let off steam that does not cost damage to the relationship.

Write
Think about your faith story: how have you experienced anger in your life? What regrets do you have about ways you have acted out anger?

What kind of people or situation typically make you angry? What peopel or situation presently is a source of irritation and frustration?

How do you typically let off steam? What helps you work off the emotions associated with anger?

Who do you know has a sort fuse? How do they express their anger that you find hurtful?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about your experience of anger, and your regrets from the way you have expressed it.

Ask God for insights to the kind of people and situation that make you angry. What forming experiences in your life have wounded you that left you with a sensitivity in these areas?

Ask God to help you find a way to see anger coming, and to left off steam without hurting others.

Pray for your friend who is in pain and has a short temper. Ask God how you can come along their side and learn self-control together.

Pray for a fresh experience of God's love, grace and mercy as he delivers you from the bondage of a short fuse, and as you grow your ability to bear pain in relationship.