Today’s Reading: Ephesians 4:26-27
American statesman Thomas Jefferson said: “When you are mad, count to ten.

If you are mad and very angry count to one hundred. Good advice! The unbridled anger can kill. I read about the case of a couple who killed his young son because he cried when they wanted to listen to music.

The Bible mentions two types of anger: one that is appropriate and one that is not. The appropriate should be directed against sin, as in the time when Jesus expelled the merchants from the temple. The feeling of anger that is not appropriate is the one we feel at small or minor provocations. Paul recommends: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” (Ephesians 4:26)

Anger should not endure. Spouses should not sleep back to back because of a discussion that took place during the day. Children should also learn to make peace.

Paul adds, “And do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:27) Anger gives the devil the best opportunity to enter our lives; it makes us lose control, he is always alert waiting for any opportunity to make us fall.

Jesus wants to reproduce his character in us, his love, his gentleness, his joy and self-control. We need to ask His Spirit to control us and teach us to forgive.

Ildefonso Torres