A bad attitude is something I have always struggled with
It also can be considered a lack of self-control
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty;
and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Proverbs 16:32
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down,
and without walls. Proverbs 25:28
Self control can be hard to master
Keeping your mouth shut or saying only what you really feel is beneficial
I have asked many teenagers this question:
When you are angry at someone is it easier to hit them or to not hit them?
It makes them think
It’s much harder to hold your tongue or refrain from a physical action
such as slamming a door or punching someone
Being slow to anger is what the Lord encourages us to be
Wouldn’t that be a lovely world if all persons could be slow to anger?
If you’ve ever had a quick tempered person in your life,
you likely have some bad memories
They wound, they injure, they strike
Their hearts are filled with guile and bitterness
from things that have injured them
They lack grace for others
God help us to be slow to anger
Some people were taught that from a very young age
I know them
I was not
Emotions were flying every which way in our household
Unhealthy communication
Memories can be triggered by someone else who does the same kind of thing
which can put you back into the mode you were in and then,
you can react the same way you are used to reacting
We live in a fleshly world with other people who can be
triggered or unhappy or unhealthy
Some people go to years of counseling
to deal with things that have harmed them
They might learn coping mechanisms
and ways to respond differently when they are triggered
Those can be helpful
The Holy Spirit is always helpful and teaches us
Realizing that we are to be a servant is the way Jesus taught us:
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased;
and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12
A bad attitude and a lack of self control is rooted in pride
Becoming the person God wants us to be seems to be an insurmountable task,
no matter what our issues may be
We work on this and that and realize what is displeasing to God
and it seems we never get there on some things
But if we were to be able to see ourselves years before and our reactions or our actions, we may be pleasantly surprised
Some things take time and effort
We are to be patient with others and gracious
We are also to be patient and gracious to ourselves
The wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit bears fruit in us
Ye shall know them by their fruits
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Galatians 5:22-24
The next time you’re struggling as soon as you can,
even in the midst of whatever is happening, call upon the Lord
He hears the silent prayers also and is there to help