Bible Verse Friday #32

"You have made me look like a fool!" Balaam shouted.  "If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!" ~Numbers 22:29

My NLT Life Application Study Bible says the following:

22:29  The donkey saved Balaam's life but made him look foolish in the process, so Balaam lashed out at the donkey.  We sometimes strike out at blameless people who get in our way because we are embarrassed or our pride is hurt.  Lashing out at others can be a sign that something is wrong with us.  Don't allow your own hurt pride to lead you to hurt others.

Guilty.

I am so guilty of this.

I have had situations in the past where I let into someone despite the fact that they had nothing to do with my current situation.

If I acknowledge my error for what it is, I make an effort to swallow my pride and go back and apologize to that person.

Have you done this yourself?

Have you recently done this?

My most recent encounter of this type of foolish lashing out has occurred since Bud got home.

It's not quite the same in the sense that I'm not lashing out because I've been embarrassed, but you'll see what I mean.

Since Bud has gotten home he is learning the rhythm of life with a baby.

I don't want to hover as I know he appreciates doing it on his own.

However, there have been a few situations in which I have swooped in a criticized how he was handling a certain situation.

Last night as I was relaxing with him in the living room, Bitsy in bed, I turned to him and apologized.

I told him that I was sorry that I was short with him at times, that I knew he was still learning and that it was no excuse for me to be hard on him.

He is a gracious husband and he forgave me.

I think I was more hurt by my actions than he had been.

My point here is that we need to make sure we aren't lashing out at the wrong person.

If we are doing something we shouldn't we need to take responsibility for our own actions.

If you have recently been short with someone...even if it's been a few days, I encourage you to go apologize to them.

They may brush it off, but I guarantee they will see you in a new light.

Not only that, your heart will be lightened. 

That anger likes to weigh us down...and it hides deep inside of us.

However, when we put a name on it and rebuke it, it is forced to leave us!

Ask God to forgive you for your short temper.

Apologize to those you have offended.

Find peace in knowing that you control the anger and not visa versa!

I hope you have a Blessed Friday!