Love is not easily angered

Norah Summers February 10, 2022 0 0

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1 Corinthians 13:5, Proverbs 14:29, 15:1 (NIVUK)

(1 Corinthians 13) 5 It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

(Proverbs 14) 29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,
    but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

(15) 1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Well, no, it won’t do to fly off the handle because my beloved has forgotten to put the blue bin out. There will probably be some equal and opposite error on my part before the day is out.

But that is the trivial again. We know that people face occasions of betrayal, of abuse of trust, of thoughtless or careless indifference.

Is it reasonable to expect us to deal with these calmly?

Is it all right to be angry on behalf of someone you love? When there has been some injustice or slight, when someone has been let down, when it is necessary to speak truth to power?

Everything in proportion is probably the answer – ‘easily’ may be the clue, for assuredly there are times when anger is right and proper. Did Jesus not overturn the tables of the greedy money-changers?

PRAYER:

Loving God,

God of the love which considers carefully,

with love,

what is worth getting angry about,

teach us to love ourselves and others,

giving proper respect and worth to all your people.