I don’t think many people handle anger well. When someone offends me, I’m quick to strike back.

Not long after that, I’m sorry and know I made a mistake. I forget what the Bible says in James 1:19-20, “My dear brothers, take note…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”

Last week, my friend Don Villa moderated our early morning men’s Bible sharing group, and it was about our response to difficult situations. The consensus of the group was that not any of us handle anger very well.

We were aware what happens in life is out of our control, but we are in control of our reaction. Don Villa said maybe we should be silent and not say anything.

I guess that’s where the saying, “Silence is Golden,” comes from.

I, like many others, shared that petty situations rattle our disposition more than major happenings.

After all the group had a chance to share, Don said he had something to say.

I was hoping it wasn’t another one of his corny jokes. I’m proud of myself and reacted as James suggested in Chapter 1:19-20.

Don told of a rude passenger in the ticket line at the airport who yelled at the ticket agent for the way he was handling his luggage. In his anger, he continually yelled and complained. The agent remained silent and didn’t get angry.

When the passenger left, the next person in line told the agent, “That man was really angry, but that was no excuse for the way he treated you.”

The ticket agent said, “If you think he was angry then I’d like to see him when he gets to his destination in Miami and finds out his luggage went to Alaska!”

Evidently, he got the last word without saying anything.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or email hkeller@comcast.net.