One who is slow to anger has great understanding; But one who is quick-tempered exalts foolishness.

Proverbs 14:29

As a father, I am in the unique position of being known better than I usually realize. My kids seem to know how to act or what to say to elicit the greatest reaction from me. This can be frustrating at times.

My first tendency is always to point the finger and say “If they’d only behave I wouldn’t be so angry!”. But, if I really stop to reflect on that statement then I realize how hypocritical it is. God didn’t wait for me to “behave” to send His Son and provide a way for me to be reconciled to Him. So, why would I put that same expectation on my kids—or anyone else for that matter?

The Bible tells us that God is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love”1. I need to be an example of that slowness to anger and shower my kids with steadfast love rather than frustration and vexation.

Self-reflection

In what ways do I let my frustrations get the better of me? How can I set a better example?

Prayer

Father, please help me to respond by coming alongside my kids rather than react out of emotion. Amen.

1 [Psalm 145:8](https://my.bible.com/bible/2692/PSA.145.8), [Psalm 103:8](https://my.bible.com/bible/2692/PSA.103.8), [Exodus 34:6](https://my.bible.com/bible/2692/EXO.34.6).