It was a simple thing. I got into the car and managed to knock my shoe off in the process. Now, the difficulty with that is that I have recently had surgery and cannot bend over to pull the shoe back on. Still. It should have not been a big deal. My temper flared and words came that were unnecessary and quite inappropriate to the situation.

I had a professor in college who often referred to Paul’s words to the Romans: I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. (Romans 7:15 emphasis added).

I can certainly resonate with my professor’s thinking. My temper does not reflect the commitment of my heart. Rather, my temper is a reflection of my human tendency to allow sin to control my life.

Anger is not intrinsically wrong. When injustice is perpetrated against God’s children, anger may be the proper response. Righteous indignation is anger turned toward the perpetrators of injustice. Righteous anger overturned the table of the money changers in the Temple. It was an appropriate response to the desecration of God’s house. Anger, rightly focused, can encourage people to act against the demonic forces of evil that threaten the lives and security of others made in God’s image.

Back to the shoe. My anger was disproportionate to the incident. It could have been spilled milk or a broken glass, but my reaction did nothing to represent the commitment that I profess. I find this often to be the case. Words come out of my mouth that I am ashamed of. I beg forgiveness, but Paul is right. “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”

If I am going to change this pattern of behavior, I need first, to acknowledge it and be aware of this tendency to rage first and then beg forgiveness. The words that come out of my mouth should build up rather than tear down. The hateful rhetoric that permeates the current political discourse, even from persons professing Christian faith, does nothing to build up the kingdom of God. Words matter!! The way we use words to destroy the intrinsic value of others is demonic. My words matter. Your words matter.

I hate my temper. To change requires constant awareness of this tendency to rage. It requires a fervent commitment to place my reactions in perspective to my faith in Christ. Paul concludes this paragraph by declaring, “Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25)

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

Words matter!!!