The scripture for today, June 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 you disagree with someone, do you “back it up” with loud yelling or throwing or hitting things? Do you believe that your point of view cannot be accepted without a “tantrum”?
This scripture indicates that it is indeed possible to rebuke someone without the tantrum. In fact, it is more effective. When you calmly tell someone you disagree with them, it does not raise their blood pressure and put them on the defensive. They may react like you want on the outside, but you drive them farther from you on the inside.
Calm rebuke does not mean you don’t mean it; it means you are convinced enough that your point of view does not need reinforcement. In that case, the other person is likely to be convinced too. So today, practice saying calmly what you normally back up with a tantrum. Then, next time you disagree with someone close to you, you will be ready. Ready to not rebuke in your anger.