When we’ve endured much suffering, bitterness comes naturally, as if it always existed in us. What’s harder is learning how to cultivate gentleness or a gentle spirit. What if suffering could produce such gentleness in us?

Is anger ever righteous, or can only Jesus have godly anger? Is all our anger only sinful? I learned that my ability to stuff my emotions has been more of a liability than an asset, and that stuffed anger isn’t any better than vented anger when it comes to holiness.

Forgiveness gave me back the friends I lost, but not just after we said the words, "I forgive you." Forgiveness is a journey, not just a destination.

Have you ever sat across from a friend and felt your theological disagreements strike up between you like a jagged fence? Perhaps it felt like a crack in the foundation of your friendship, and your heart ached a little—from wonder at how she disagreed with you to fears of losing your friend. How do we move forward?

My anger acts in a similar way at times. It screams and refuses to be overlooked until it gets what it wants. It demands to be noticed. What do we control our anger when it demands its way? How can we submit it to God’s commands to be patient, loving, and kind? We begin in our hearts.