8/14/2019 I Have Bad Temper

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/i-have-bad-temper 1/2

I Have Bad Temper Oh!

“I HAVE BAD TEMPER OH!”

Chuks Okafor

Have you ever heard that expression before? Yes I presume.This statement has become an acceptable excuse for bad and

ungodly display of emotions. I must confess it used to be my

favourite expression many years ago before something happened.

If you say it often - you’re not alone, I’ve been there. However

 just like me, you can be free of that terrible confession!

I recall a day that impacted my life as an SS3 student. I was

generally playing with a classmate of mine who was apparently notin the best of moods at that time. Although he warned me to stay

clear of him and leave him alone, I didn’t get the message. I didn’t

know he was a ticking time bomb ready to explode, a bubbling

volcano about to erupt…….Next thing I knew, he gave me what I’ll

call a “dirty slap” that left me blinded by the “stars” I saw. It

seems the sound of the slap and possibly the look on my face

made him snap out of his mood. On realizing what he just did, he

began to apologize profusely. Although I was very upset by his

actions, I eventually (eventually!) forgave him.

Later that day I looked back and saw how he let my presence

decide his actions and he responded in a way he eventually

regretted. I decided that day that I would never let another

human being control or determine how I feel or respond in any

given situation. I have got to be the ME that God says I am –

regardless of the provocation. Let’s look at what the Word saysabout this – that’s our Guideline for everything.

9 Control your temper,for anger labels you a fool.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 NLT

I’m not a fool and I won’t let anyone turn me into one. It’s

interesting to note that someone else will respond differently to

Page 1 of 2

8/14/2019 I Have Bad Temper

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/i-have-bad-temper 2/2

I Have Bad Temper Oh!

a similar situation, not because of the issue at hand, but because

of who they are. Hurting people hurt others. Maybe it’ll be safe

to break the cycle.

Prov 16:32 describes a better man;

32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he whorules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32 AMP

It is proven that it takes more energy to hold back your temper

than it takes to let it loose.

PRACTICAL TIPS

• Silence is golden: A good rule to remember when you are

being provoked. The more you talk in an annoying situation,

the more irritated you’ll become. Yea I know you’ve tried it

before and it seemed your heart will burst, it won’t! I’m a

living witness.

• Excuse yourself from the environment if you can. If you can

oh! Don’t go walking out on the parents – the big D or M.

Remember it’s rude to walk out on ANYONE really. You canrequest for the talk to be concluded at a later date or hour

since the atmosphere is heated up.

• Give it some time before talking about the issue if you must.

Cool off first.

Always remember that most things said in anger were not

intended and that things are not usually as serious when you are

calm and calculated. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit; we

don’t have a temper problem because it’s not a fruit of the Holy

Spirit. Keep walking in the spirit. That’s actually the coolest walk

that there is!

Page 2 of 2