By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

In Lincoln, Nebraska, a 19-year-old woman's anger recently nearly cost her her home. The woman got angry at her ex and set his love letters on fire in a room in her home. Afterwards she went to sleep in the room next door. Unknowingly, the carpet caught fire and the whole house started to burn. The fire brigade arrived just in time to prevent the entire house from burning down.

Anger in our lives can be compared to this fire. After the initial outburst, we walk away not realizing the damage we leave behind will have far-reaching consequences. How does your anger affect your children? Your marriage? The atmosphere at work? Or your future relationship with your neighbour?

In Proverbs 19:19, we read: “A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty . . .” Also in Job 5: 2: “Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple.” And in Psalm 37: 8 we read, “Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm."

Do you control your anger or does your anger control you? If you know this is an obstacle, let's take it to God. He can set us free and enable us to live with renewed peace that surpasses all understanding. Have a great week. God bless!

Father God, thank you so much that You can set me free from the grip that anger has on me. Lead me through your Holy Spirit in every situation this week and fill me with your peace. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• Photo: See photo of teen that lid the letters at www.benescke.co.za or on Stories van Hoop on Facebook.

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