Inside me
Angry is not the same as bad. Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. Breathe. Do not send the email yet. Peacemakers are blessed — it often starts with not winning the thread. You may be angry without wounding, and ask forgiveness when you do.
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
What it means
Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. Three speeds. Most of us do the opposite.
How you can live it
When you boil: count to ten, put the phone down, finish listening. Do not send the message yet.
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
What it means
Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
How you can live it
At home: one kind word, one soft answer, one act of forgiveness if you can.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
What it means
Saliga är de som skapar frid, för de ska kallas Guds barn. Den som sänker tonen liknar sin Far.
How you can live it
I ett bråk: var den som sänker tonen. Inte den som vinner tråden.
A prayer
Lord, slow my tongue. Let me be angry without wounding, and help me ask forgiveness when I do. Amen.