1382) One thing I really don’t like is when I sense someone is trying to control me. Through conversation, manipulation or attitude, when I feel someone is trying to force me into thinking, feeling or moving in a particular way, I dig my heals in.

I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way. I think it’s an accurate statement that most people resist anyone who is trying to control them. Therefore, I believe arguing to change someone’s mind doesn’t work.

Having considered these things, I take it a step further and wonder why I allow my feelings to control me when it’s clear I don’t like to be controlled. As I reflect on this, my first thought is I cannot control my feelings. But then my next thought is, I may not control my feelings but I can add fuel to them and make them worse and/or stay in my heart longer. Is this good? It probably isn’t when it comes to anger.

Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us not to let anger control us because it opens a vulnerability Satan loves to step in to. If we harbor uncontrolled anger, we are no longer holding the reins in our lives. It’s almost as if we hand them right over to Satan, to steer us in whatever direction he wants us to go.

So Paul adds in these verses to be angry, if you need to be, but don’t sin in doing so. Anger can be a good thing, urging us to fight against injustice, for example, but when it’s uncontrolled, it does the opposite.

Next time you’re angry, allow it to be used for good rather than by Satan.