Unity

Unity- learn to slow down anger

We are living in a day where there is a gathering tide of interest on the part of Christians everywhere around the world to realize the unity for which Christ prayed. This movement in the interest of Christian unity has been called "the great new fact of one era." As never before Christians face the fact that the church, the body of Christ has been rent asunder. And as they face the fact there has come a deep realization of the wrong and sinfulness of such division. With this background of divided Christians, there has been considerable confusion in our witness when we go to the mission field. New Christians in Asia and Africa still confess a great deal of bewilderment over the divisions of the churches in America and Europe sending out missionary upon missionary establishing doctrine upon doctrine. It's time Christians see a church divided in spirit is a church unfaithful to our Lord, who clearly prayed that all of his followers should be one. To talk of the love of Christ is blasphemy unless we love all of the followers. To talk of the Christian love of neighbor is a mocking in the ears of the world unless we demonstrate it in our own household of faith. How can the church be the bride of Christ if she is many brides? How can she be a gathered flock if she is scattered? How can she be the body of Christ if she is broken and sacrificed by hands other than his own? In simple faithfulness to Jesus Christ our Lord, we as Christians must seek to heal the dividedness of the church and create the atmosphere within which all Christians may find their real unity in Christ.

Slowing Down Anger
Managing anger can be another difficult challenge. Anger prompts many young ones to say and do things that are hurtful or destructive.
Granted, it is normal to feel anger at times. But remember the first murderer, Cain. When he became "hot with great anger," God warned him that such anger could lead to his committing serious sin. He asked Cain: "Will you, for your part, get the mastery over [sin]?" (Genesis 4:5-7) Cain failed to heed this divine advice, but with God's help you can control your anger and avoid sinning!
Again it comes down to controlling your thoughts. At Proverbs 19:11, the Bible says: "The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to pass over transgression." When someone upsets you, try to understand why he or she behaved that way. Was that person deliberately trying to hurt you? Could it be that he or she was acting impulsively or out of ignorance? Making allowances for the mistakes of others reflects God's own mercy, and it can help slow down your feelings of anger.
What, though, if anger is justified? The Scriptures say: "Be wrathful, and yet do not sin." (Ephesians 4:26) If necessary, talk the matter out with the individual. (Matthew 5:23, 24) Or perhaps the best thing to do is simply to let the matter drop-let go of the anger and move on with your life.
Interestingly, your friends can have an influence on how you deal with anger. The Bible thus directs: "Do not have companionship with anyone given to anger; and with a man having fits of rage you must not enter in, that you may not get familiar with his paths and certainly take a snare for your soul."-Proverbs 22:24, 25.
Being around people who make an effort to control their anger can help you to develop self-control yourself. The Christian congregations are full of such mature individuals, many of whom are older and more experienced than you. Get to know some of them. Watch how they cope with problems. They may also be able to give you "skillful direction" when you face difficulties. (Proverbs 24:6) Jacob, quoted earlier, relates: "A mature friend who can remind me of God's Word is priceless. When I remember that God loves me despite my insecurities, I'm able to feel in control and remain calm."
A Challenge for Youths
People of all ages and backgrounds struggle with controlling their emotions. However, the struggle can be particularly challenging during one's transition from adolescence to adulthood. Says the book Changing Bodies, Changing Lives by Ruth Bell: "Most teenagers feel a jumble of crazy, beautiful, frightening, mixed-up emotions. A lot of people have several different feelings at the same time about the same things. . . . One minute you may feel a particular way, and then a minute later you may find yourself feeling the opposite way."
As a young person, you are also inexperienced. (Proverbs 1:4) So, as you encounter new situations and challenges for the first time, it is only natural to feel a bit insecure and perhaps overwhelmed. Fortunately, your Creator well understands your feelings. He knows even your "disquieting thoughts." (Psalm 139:23) In his Word he has set forth some principles that can help.
Talking To Yourself
What do you say to yourself in times of trouble? When we are able to help ourselves in a difficult situation by the use of strengthening self talk, we are better able to transform the stress into something useful and we can become more adaptable.
Several years ago I taught a stress reduction class and prior to the first class the participants would fill out a questionnaire. One of the questions was around the idea of our thoughts and sayings when we are in a challenging or stressful situation. One answer from a participant that really inspired me was the phrase, "This too shall pass." This participant said that repeating that phrase was her way of getting through her troubles.
This kind of thinking is also helpful to be more positive, and to build resilience.
Who does not need resilience in the chaotic time of midlife? Midlife can be a time of intense change and even loss. Wouldn't it be wonderful to take the challenges and be able to bounce back from them?
Do you know anyone who may have lost his or her job, only to make the best of it? Did they look at the opportunities it afforded them, no matter how small?
Another saying I have is that, "I can handle this," or "I have choices here." I may not see the choices, but I am directing myself into another mindset and possible choices by attracting the opposite of what is going wrong!
Listen to what you say to yourself, either aloud or silently. Is what you are saying helping you or hindering you?
Live In Peace... Take Action! 6 Steps To No More Right-Fighting 1)Acknowledgment! Become aware of right-fighting tendencies and notice how tempting it is to engage in such behavior. Begin to imagine what conflict and life would be like if the outcome did not define you. You MUST practice admitting when you're wrong or hurtful in your efforts to be right.

2)Reflect back on past right-fighting scenarios, what was the outcome? If you succeeded in being right, did you feel better as the "winner"? Was the perceived victory worth tearing co-workers, a spouse, a friend, or your children down? Usually, even the "winner" of right-fighting ultimately feels badly.
3)Remind yourself of your unchangeable value and worth during arguments, conflict and disagreements, even if you don't fully believe it, "fake it till you make it"!
4)Allow others to hold one opinion and you another without being emotionally charged. What would life be like to be respected others' opinions? Validate others' opinions/beliefs as equally valuable. This needn't mean agree, it means you value other human beings.
5)Seek an elegant solution. Elegant solutions always exist. Usually right-fighters are too busy trying to force others and to prove his/her self-worth to see the elegant solution.
6)Enlist the help of others if necessary. Find one or two people who will gently remind you when you have fallen prey to right-fighting. Or hire a coach!!! We provide great support when you're attempting to eliminate challenges such as these!
Ultimately right-fighting results from your disbelief in your own value and worth. That is why there is so much emotion tied to the fight to be right. The frustration and anger, which accompany the need to be right, stem directly from self-doubt, fear and insecurity. Your primary focus must be to take whatever steps necessary to rid yourself of this foundational limiting belief. It's worth it, peace, success and abundance will be your reward.
Live, Love Laugh... With Intentionality! Nothing helps you better