All sorts of things can trigger irritability in people, from minor traffic jams to major headaches. Everyone gets upset or annoyed sometimes. We all have lost our temper and reacted without thinking. We have succumbed to anger that drives us to say and do things we normally wouldn’t. And it’s when we lose control over our thoughts and feelings, that our irritability and anger can do some major damage to our love walk.
For the most part, irritability is likely to occur when we feel under pressure. Therefore, one of the best tests for measuring our irritability is to observe how we behave when having to manage stressful circumstances or people. If we can remain graceful toward others when under pressure, then we are probably exercising self-control. Our temper is well-managed and good. We are not allowing agitation to anger us or disrupt our relationships. If, on the other hand, pressure and stress bring out the worst in us, then we probably need to work on our self-control and temper.
When irritable, we are very likely to become easily angered at others, sometimes at the slightest provocation. We might even become hostile and behave in ways we will later regret. Gaining control over our thoughts, feelings and actions when irritated and angry is the best way to keep from acting out in unloving ways.
Self-control communicates love. It can be seen whenever we:
All human failures are the result of a lack of love.
~Alfred Adler
We may not be able to control stressors and pressures in our lives, but how we respond to them is up to us.
Take responsibility for our reactions
Do not accuse or blame others for the way we feel
Treat others graciously although they irritate us
Keep from saying something hurtful and unnecessary
Do not take our anger out on those around us
Think things through before we react
Allow ourselves a time-out to gather ourselves together
Do not expect more from others than we should
The disposition of love is self-control and a good temper. Having self-control and a good temper is easier said than done, especially for those individuals who are more prone to irritability for various reasons. Even so, we can all learn to gain greater control over our tempers and how we react under pressure. Irritations will never cease, nor does our love need to when they come.
What makes me most irritable?
What do I do when I am under more pressure than I feel I can handle?
How do I treat others when I am irritated?
Do I have to have the last word? Explain.
On a scale of 0 to 10 with 10 being severe and 0 being nonexistent, how would I rate my temper?
How would those closest to me rate my temper?
Review the list of how self-control communicates love. Which one(s) do I do often? Which one(s) do I need more work on?
I can accept responsibility for my temper and exercise self-control.
