Soft Words Turns Away Anger

“A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1

Sometimes we just need to vent. Sometimes we have to get the negative feelings out. Sometimes we have to tell somebody how we feel!
Putting a fake face on is not healthy.
Ever hear these cliches?
Ever think of them yourself?
Ever use them as an excuse to complain, gossip, or a way to a clear the conscious? I have, and still do at times. In fact it’s a constant internal struggle. It is kind of a vicious circle.
Sometimes something has happened to make us so unhappy and angry, but we don’t want to be that negative person, so we smile, put on a fake face. But in fact, it’s eating us up inside. It effects our attitude toward life. It effects everyone around us. It effects our personal joy and relationship with Christ. But if we can’t tell somebody how we feel, then how in the world are we to get rid of the anger? Being real, open and honest is the best thing to do all around. It’s the attitude behind the sharing, the perspective in which we have of the situation. We must and should get it out, talk to somebody about it. But the tricky thing is, getting our feelings out without the negative accusations and quilt throwing. Most of the time we need to only speak to the person who initiated the anger or hurt. The biggest key is we must pray before we speak. Prayer helps us and the one we are speaking to. This is not easy at all. Sometimes the one we speak to fuels the fire within us. Sometimes it muddies up our true intentions and we speak from our anger. But we need to start with God and continue to focus on Him, praying for His guidance and words. And to be totally honest, sometimes I want to be angry. In some strange way, being angry gives satisfaction and a sense of justice. I know it sounds crazy. But it doesn’t bring joy or peace. And it definitely does not help the relationship. Prayer is always the solution. Are we willing to let go of the anger? Our pride? Why would we want anger over Joy?