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Choosing Jesus’ Way

  • Vicki Bentley
  • September 26, 2022
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I could feel it steadily rising as my daughters bickered endlessly in the car on the way to school.

It simmered dangerously as my oldest responded harshly to her little sister’s innocent comment, making her cry.

And by the time my youngest had thrown an epic tantrum at the dinner table, borne from selfishness, ingratitude, and the wrong color bowl, my anger finally reached boiling point.

Out it spilled then, loud, ugly, and devoid of any useful purpose. My kids were quiet now, yes. Startled and subdued. But at what cost?

In her book “One Thousand Gifts,” Ann Voskamp writes: “Do I really smother my own joy because I believe that anger achieves more than love? That Satan’s way is more powerful, more practical, more fulfilling in my daily life than Jesus’ way?”

Jesus’ way is not one driven by anger. His way is one of grace, forgiveness, and mercy. His way leads to life (John 10:10).

Life for our children. And life for us.

My anger that day was a choice. Flesh over Spirit. A choice that cast a shadow over the day and left bruised little hearts in its wake. A choice that tore down instead of built up, that broke bridges and inflicted wounds.

But walls can be rebuilt, bridges can be repaired, and wounds can be healed—all because of grace.

This same grace is abundant and available for us, too—every time we mess up, every time we get it wrong. Motherhood is hard, friends, but we do have a choice daily: to choose the way of Jesus—and live a life of love.

“And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil” (Ephesians‬ ‭4:26-27‬, NLT‬‬).

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Vicki Bentley

A Scottish native, Vicki now calls Upstate New York home, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. A writer turned editor, she loves to encourage women to pursue Jesus-centered, joy-filled living in the gloriously hard and wonderful trenches of motherhood. Being part of the Joyful Life team and community is both a blessing and a privilege, providing an opportunity for her to combine her gifts and passions in a unique and special way to speak truth into the hearts and lives of women. In her ‘free’ time Vicki loves to consume books and strong coffee, and get outdoors to enjoy the very varied, yet consistently beautiful seasons of the Northeast. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or on her website.

2 comments
  1. Nikki S. White says:
    September 26, 2022 at 4:46 am

    Oh Vicki, I’ve been there so many times! I believe one of the most powerful ways God delivers the truth of His love and mercy to us is through motherhood. Your daughters are blessed to have a mother who receives it and passes it on!

    xoxo

    Reply
  2. Lori Ann Wood says:
    September 26, 2022 at 11:12 am

    Such a beautiful perspective on a common Mom Affliction. Thank you for the comaraderie and the encouragement!

    Reply

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