Do you know of someone that’s infected with a
horrible disease known as diarrhea of the mouth (or verbal diarrhea)?
I define this illness as “someone who’s
lacking in common sense or intelligence (in a particular moment). They feel the
need to provide someone with their opinion (usually unasked for) without first
editing their comment for the appropriateness of the listener (or remaining
silent on the matter all together).”
Does this remind you of anyone (you know
personally)? This type of person is often called a “hot head,” which refers to
a person with a fiery temper.
When my level of irritation at home goes from
low (simmer) to high (rapid boil) in just a matter of seconds over some irritating
family matter at hand, the emotionally imbalanced me reverts to my familiar, ineffective
methods of conflict resolution.
This includes being loud, screaming, turning
satanically red-faced (according to my wife), using profanity, slamming objects
(for emphasis), and spewing out mean-spirited, hurtful comments on everyone present
(even when I’m asked to stop).
This above description does not illustrate a
man who wishes to bless others. To my dearly loved wife and daughter, it often speaks
of not living what I blog to others (hypocrite). There are many things I can
use as excuse for my behavior at these times: brain surgery, Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and bi-polar disorder. All of these issues are as
under control with medicine and counseling as possible. Whether I like it or
not, I’ve always been a highly emotional individual (even as a child).
Don’t most of us make a conscience selection
in most situations (with our comfort and acceptance level) in what we reveal of
our true intentions to someone? What does Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32 (MSG) have
to instruct with about all of this?
“Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry – but don’t use your
anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind
of foothold in your life…
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, and profane talk. Be
gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and
thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”
These verses tell me I can be mad at times,
but in an appropriate manner. (It’s either all or nothing with me. Middle
ground on most topics is rare?) Does the Heavenly Father want anyone to be
exposed to another person’s indecent fits of anger? What do you think?
If you tend to be a highly aggravated person,
it might be helpful to memorize the above verses (from a good translation).
Often my desire for justice in many situations fails to remember the mercy I
need to show for others (and myself). What about you?
*Adapted from an article on courtesy written
by me April 2, 1982.
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