Letting Off Steam

“Keep your temper – no one else wants it” ~ John Goetsch

Reading the above quote this morning reminded me of an incident just last evening. While cleaning up from the evening meal at our Bible conference, a few of us ladies were attempting to lift the large foil pans of chicken pie out of the foil pans of steaming hot water. However, every time we were able to get ahold of a corner of the pan of chicken pie and lift it, we would have to quickly release it – the steam coming from the hot water underneath was burning our fingers.

That incident was followed by a message last night on “The Darkness of Anger”. Here’s a simple thought this morning:

Every time we lose our temper and “let off steam”, our temper isn’t actually lost at all. Those around us can tell us exactly where it is for they have been burned by it. When we allow anger to build up inside us until we finally explode, we may feel better after the fact – but we often leave our loved ones and friends hurting in the process.

Br. Chad Bailey gave a very good word of advice last night. Instead of allowing anger to build up inside us, learn to deal with it – within 24 hours. Before the steam has a chance to build up, release it. Just let it go.

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26,27