The scripture for today, June 1 (6/1), is Psalm 6:1 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:
“O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.”
This is not only a good request to God, but it is a good request to each other ~ family and friends alike. When we disagree with someone, do we “back it up” with loud yelling or throwing or hitting things? Do we believe that our point of view cannot be accepted without a “tantrum”? Actually, the object of our tantum may react like we want on the outside, but we drive them farther from us on the inside.
This scripture indicates that it is indeed possible to rebuke someone without the tantrum. In fact, it is more effective. When we calmly tell someone we disagree with them, it does not raise their blood pressure and put them on the defensive.
Calm rebuke does not mean we don’t mean it; it means we are convinced enough, our point of view does not need reinforcement. In that case, the other person is more likely to be convinced too. So today, let us practice while alone saying calmly what we normally back up with a tantrum. Then, next time we disagree with someone close to us, we will be ready. Ready to not rebuke in our anger.