Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are upset or just plain angry and instead of choosing to stay quiet you choose to express your dissatisfaction quite boldly? You are conscious of what’s coming out of your mouth and know you need to just shut up but the faucet is turned on full throttle and the emotion is pouring out and filling up the room. I hate it when I do that! In those moments I guess I convince myself my words are justified and therefore acceptable. They aren’t.

I found myself doing this very thing just a few days ago. Frustration and disappointment rushed over me and I spewed my feelings on a couple of unsuspecting girlfriends—not directed at them but to them. Nonetheless, I’m sure they felt attacked by my behavior. In those moments I let myself get all wrapped up in myself and how I felt—this doesn’t make for a good outcome.

By the next morning, I was feeling convicted about my lack of judgment. I had allowed my emotions to override my good sense and a serving of humble pie was on the menu. Apologies were offered and accepted. The situation that fueled my frustration isn’t resolved but I’m letting it go. All I can do is be obedient to what the Lord wants to me do. If I let other people’s actions or lack of action frustrate or anger me then spew those feelings on innocent bystanders—well, which is worse? My actions or theirs? Probably mine. Luckily, I hear humble pie is low in sugar.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control… Galatians 5:22-23

C. Deni Johnson