Angry situations occur in life. We feel angry when people do or say things about us that we don’t like. Anger is an emotion that can lead us to say harsh words to others.
Your sibling wears your shirt without your permission and stains it. It’s probably happened a couple of times and you have warned him. Yet, he failed to listen but this time you plan to give him a piece of your mind.
Harsh words fly out of your mouth and land on your brother. Soon the poor boy has tears in his eyes or he suddenly loses self-esteem and locks himself up in his room for the whole day. You must therefore learn how to manage angry situations.
Your brother is not right in taking your shirt without your permission. You are not right also with your choice of words.
Instead of your words helping the situation, they have only caused more harm. Choose your words carefully. Don’t speak out of anger. Even when someone hurts you, don’t hurt them back.
May God give you the grace for calming words.
Prayer: Lord, teach me not to speak out of anger to people around me. Amen
Most times, family members are the most ignored set of people. We tend to think that they will always be there or they don’t need much from us. We pay more attention to people that we meet on the street than to the people we have inside the house. You can easily apologize to a random person you stepped on in the street, but you find it difficult to say ‘sorry’ at home. That is not how it should be!
Now take a good look at your relationship with your family members. Do so by asking yourself these questions and giving an honest answer to each of them:
How often did you tell or show them you love them?
How many times did you help them when they needed it?
How often did you help your parents at home?
How often did you obey parental instructions?
How many times did you pray for your parents or siblings?
What was the last gift you gave your family members?
How often did you spend time with them?
How often did you fight your sibling?
These are personal questions that will guide you. You can and should add yours to these. Showing love to your family is important and gladdens the heart of God. One of the reasons is because the family is the fundamental unit of the society; when things are right there, things will be right in the larger society. As a Christian child, you are supposed to value the family system. Christianity itself is a family of believers in Christ. May the Lord bless you in name of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, I am grateful for the family you have blessed me with. I thank you for my parents and siblings. Help me to value them more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Action point: Start by saying a big thank you to your family members for being there for you throughout the year. You can make a big “thank you” card for them.
