Category: Faith Reflections / Christian Living
Tags: Marriage, Anger, Forgiveness, Faith, Temptation, Grace

“Be slow to anger and rich in kindness,” God says to us.
Yes, I heard it — loud and clear!

God commands us to live in this state of being. To be slow to anger means not allowing ourselves to be easily provoked or disturbed by others. Yet, like many people I know, I find myself battling this every day.

Why is it that anger seems to find a way into my day so easily?
I thought that by now, after hearing and reading God’s Word so often, I would have been made firm — like flint — against anger and frustration.

🪞 “If only I could constantly keep before me a sign that says, ‘Be slow to anger and rich in kindness.’”

But the truth is, this sign cuts both ways. It’s a double-edged sword.
In trying to be right and godly, I sometimes become too critical of those who are not — especially those who should know better.
And when that happens, anger sneaks in through the back door.

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🏠 The Test at Home

So why, then, do I see this battle so often in my own home?
My wife goes to church more than I do, yet somehow, she seems to provoke my anger more than anyone else.

Maybe it’s my reaction — I’m not perfect.
But sometimes it feels as though no matter what I do, I fall short of her satisfaction.

Yesterday was one of those days.
A simple moment turned sour.
We had just been to church, yet anger appeared as if it had been waiting outside the door.

Being slow to anger means learning to control our emotions — especially when things don’t go our way.
When something disappoints us, we must guard ourselves with forgiveness and kindness instead of reacting in fury.

Yes, it’s hard. We’re human, and we’re all sinners.
So how can we expect perfection from imperfect people?
We can’t. But we can look to the One who is perfect.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” — John 14:6
When we let Him take hold of our hearts, He will make all things perfect — even the most broken relationships.

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🧩 The Anatomy of Temptation

Header suggestion: “Understanding the Enemy’s Design”
Visual: Optional infographic showing 7 parts of temptation.

Temptation works in layers — like the body of a creature designed to draw us away from God.

1. The Head — Forgetfulness:
   Forgetting God’s words after leaving the church doors behind.
2. Anger — The Face of Corruption:
   Anger spreads. Stay near angry hearts long enough, and it infects yours.
3. Selfishness — The Heart of Sin:
   The muscle that destroys unity, love, and life.
4. Pride — The Spine of Separation:
   Pride stands tall between God and man, blocking reconciliation.
5. Lust — The Hungry Eyes:
   Always wanting what we do not have.
6. Greed — The Grasping Hands:
   Reaching endlessly, losing time meant for God.
7. Fear — The Weak Knees:
   The devil’s favorite tool. Fear forgets that Jesus is here.

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💊 The Antidote to Temptation

Callout quote:

“The cure is simple but not easy — Trust in God.”

When we truly trust Him, fear fades away.
When we remember His Word, anger loses its grip.
When we forgive as He forgives, we become rich in kindness.

And when we walk in His ways — even when the road is hard —
we learn what it means to be slow to anger and quick to love.

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🙏 Closing Prayer Reflection

Lord Jesus,
Teach me to be slow to anger and rich in kindness.
Help me see through my frustrations and find Your peace instead.
Remind me that every argument, every hurt, and every temptation
is a test of my faith — not of my worth.

Heal the places where pride, fear, and selfishness hide.
Let me see my loved ones as You see them —
through eyes of mercy and forgiveness.

Strengthen me to remember Your Word,
to guard my heart against temptation,
and to walk in Your light,
now and always.

Amen.