Response Time

(Proverbs 14:35 KJV)  The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

When people get angry with us we go two opposite directions.  Sometimes, and some people, we get angry right back.  We sink to their level and imitate their behavior.  Not good.  Sometimes we get defensive and make excuses.  We point the finger many ways.  Any direction will do as long as it is not pointed at me.

What does not often occur to us is that we deserve the anger.  Well, maybe not the actual anger but at least some strong criticism.  When we mess up we want people to be understanding.  When they mess us up we want the king’s wrath to come down on their heads. 

So?  It is hard but stop for a moment and consider if the criticism is justified.  I am working on this.  Regardless of how I respond at the moment I try to review the criticism at a calmer moment and honestly look at what part is justified and what is hormonal.  Usually it is a combination of both.