Keep Calm and Carry on!

Keep Calm and Carry On!
Do you occasionally struggle with anger? We live in a broken world where sin is rampant, injustice is commonplace, and anger rages around us. This growing trend can also cause us to stumble into sin. Although we often cannot change the situations around us, altering our responses is possible. When hurt by someone's words or actions, we may be tempted to hurl a sarcastic reply or harbor resentment. As followers of Jesus, we are called to model his life: "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23)."
Today's Proverb emphasizes the value of being slow to anger. This is especially important when facing verbal attacks. Quiet listening protects us from speaking rashly and offers us the opportunity to seek God's wisdom and grace. A calm, gentle reply can defuse most tense situations. We can only respond wisely if we take time to process what was said. When we are slow to anger, we can often gain an understanding of the situation and the hidden motives that a quick-tempered person can't objectively comprehend. As believers, our character must mirror Jesus. Preserving civility must, at times, replace our need to be correct. So, pause, Keep Calm, and Carry On; all things are possible with Jesus as our counselor and defender.
Grace and Peace,
Fr. Greg

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