Emotional Temperature

Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. – James 1:19-20   

What if you could take the emotional temperature of the world, where do you think the “angriest place on Earth” might be? Surprisingly, one of the foremost polling agencies in America attempted such a task in 2021. Using a happiness index and stress meters, as well as enjoyment and pain measures, they attempted to determine how happy or angry the world’s population is currently. Results were somewhat unsurprising, following along long-held geographical areas of generational conflict. Anger exists to the highest degree where it has transferred from one generation to the next. However, many might agree the angriest place on Earth may not be found on a map, it is most likely inside the human heart! 

Like all emotions, a person’s character determines how feelings are regulated and displayed. The Bible is full of assistance with managing emotions, even complicated ones like anger. The apostle Paul says, “be angry and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26-27). Proverbs offers, “He who has a hasty temper exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:29). And Ecclesiastes notes, “Anger lodges in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9).  

Pray that Americans would seek to live a life of devotion, modeling God’s love, which will cool the temperature of anger and hostility. Ask that churches across the nation will dedicate themselves to helping people deal with difficult emotions through God’s word and their faith. Appeal to those you know suffering from a high emotional temperature to find God’s peace through His Son Jesus Christ.