What to do when we are Irritated

If we are human, we will all at one time or another struggle with being irritated with other people. It could be spouses, children, coworkers, etc. Sometimes the people we should show love to the most can irritate us the worst. Yet, an irritable person doesn’t represent the God we serve. Jesus demonstrated patience with pressing crowds “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)
Sometimes when we are feeling irritated, we are letting our flesh dictate our response. In these times, we need to move from being irritated to being compassionate. Every opportunity to let go of irritated feelings for the greater cause of God is one step closer to real spiritual maturity. What can we do when we are feeling irritated with people?
#1) Confess to God our irritation. (1 John 1:9, 1 Peter 5:7)
God already knows what irritates us the most and He can help us to rethink how we are seeing a situation play out.

#2) Surrender any desires to give your flesh room to act out. (Galatians 5:24-25)
Our flesh is always ready to snap or react negatively; yet, through the Spirit we can maintain a calm attitude and mindset.

#3) Meditate on the fruit of the Spirit until it becomes a part of your daily prayers. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Every believer has access to the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

#4) Seek strength from the Spirit to react differently than what we have trained ourselves to react. (Acts 1:8)
Through the power of Holy Spirit we can overcome our irritations because He helps us to demonstrate patience.

#5) Walk in the Spirit every day. (Galatians 5:16)
This daily commune with God helps us to cherish life’s moments so that we aren’t burdened down with regrets.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I want to represent Your kingdom with a spirit of patience and not irritation. Help me to overcome this weakness in my flesh. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,

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