18 August 2009
“He made me angry.”
“She continually irritates me.”
My dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ,
How often we hear those remarks. What is common to them is that people blame others as the cause of their feelings. Actually, the reality is quite different. Your feelings are your own. Other people can stimulate feelings, or can be an occasion for your awareness of these feelings. Others can stir up what is already in your heart, but these feelings are really yours and you are fully responsible for them.
I will give you an example the difference between TWO REACTIONS when you become angry.
First reaction: blame, “he made me angry.” Assumption: “he’s responsible for my anger.” Results: NO LEARNING, NO CHANGING, NO GROWING. Static.
Second reaction: question, “Why am I angry?” Assumption: “I’m responsible for my anger.” Results: LEARNING, CHANGING, GROWING. Dynamic.
So, next time when you get crazy, or wild, or angry, or depressed, or happy, ask, “WHY” and you will learn much about the ‘real you.’
Let’s pray,
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for giving us a chance to understand our feeling, thinking and acting. By understanding our feeling, thinking and acting, you give us a grace to know our real selves. So, Lord, give us always a courage to use our positive thinking in dealing with others. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Writer: JW
Reference: Daily Reflection