It is so much easier to name ways that others irritate us than to accept there are ways we irritate others. It may even be harder for us to admit that the real source of our irritability comes from deep inside us. God’s Word is clear on this, that we cannot live as loving people and remain irritable or easily angered.
Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. (1 Corinthians 13:5 NLT)
Many factors can cause or contribute to irritability, including stress, disappointment, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and low blood sugar. When things are not going our way and we feel others are blocking us from accomplishing what needs doing, we easily complain and become irritable. Depression may be an off shoot of irritability. When we are feeling a bit low the behaviour or personality of another person may begin to irritate us. The other person may or may not be doing something wrong, but our inner pain is simply working out in us.
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. A patient person is very smart. A quick-tempered person makes stupid mistakes. An angry person stirs up fights. And a person with a bad temper commits many sins. (Romans 6:12 NLT, Proverbs 14:29 ERV, Proverbs 29:22 NIRV)
If we ask Him, God will show us the truth about what is going on, give us comfort and healing for the pain we are experiencing, and show us a way forward. He will also provide everything we need to complete the tasks He assigns us. Will we choose to live in the care and guidance of God or remain as irritable people?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Often I feel irritated and stretched by what is going on around me and inside me. Help me to look to You for help when my short fuse is about to blow and allow Your comfort and peace to work in me, so that the underlying problems related to my irritability may be resolved. Thank You for caring. Amen
©2023 Partners in Hope
Audio for Love Is Not Irritable
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.