PROVOKING ANGER
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger...
Ephesians 6:4a (ESV)
Providing feedback is a skill often taught in our educational system. The ability to provide critical feedback can help you in life. But being overly critical is a burden that can sap a child's strength and vitality.
In the second half of the book of Ephesians, there are many tensions between relationships. Fathers do this; children do this. Bosses do this; employees do this. These tensions help us to see the partnership of relationships. Each of us has responsibilities in our relationships. For Fathers, the thing to avoid in their relationship with their children is to not provoke anger.
One time, I remember coaching my son's basketball team, and my son, who is a great ball player, was struggling with his shot. I could visibly see him getting frustrated. In that moment, as a dad and a coach, I had to decide what would help him the most. Unfortunately, I decided to give him some time on the bench. I thought he would find relief for a moment from his bad shooting day and then get back in there and be ready to contribute again. But my son saw it as his dad not allowing him the room to get himself out of the shooting slump.
I mourn the many opportunities I have as a dad, a pastor and a husband, in which I provoke anger in the people around me. While I do not own all of the responsibility for a person's reactions. I do own my tone, words, attitude, consistency and follow-through. May God grant us the ability to speak life and truth into the people around us and not put unreasonable burdens on them.
APPLICATION: Intentionally decide today to make someone's burden lighter. You can do this through your words, your actions, your calendar or your wallet. Watch what God does!
PRAYER: God, thank You for not provoking us to anger. Thank You that You are the perfect Father, and that we can receive from You, who delivers truth and instruction in a way that leads to life and does not provoke someone to anger. Help me to be Your vessel today. I love You. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?