01
Oct '25
Long Temper vs Short Temper
01
Oct '25
Introduction: Is your temper LONG or SHORT? Is it a battle or what? Have you lost your temper lately? Or really, have you found it??? Who or what is it that causes you to “lose it”? Do you get mad at yourself? Well honestly, outside of the GRACE of GOD all of us are prone to have a short fuse. Because of that, we should pray for each.
1. Do you have a “LONG TEMPER or SHORT TEMPER”? (Col. 1:9–11) – “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”
Did you notice the two words “patience” and “longsuffering”? The word “patience” (ὑπομονή), which means endurance or steadfastness; whereas, the word “LONGSUFFERING” (μακροθυμία), which according to one scholar means long-tempered—the opposite of short-tempered. Quite a contrast, huh? This speaks volumes, doesn’t it?
What is it that gets your “GOAT”? Is it when you are criticized? When you are accused? When people do not agree with you? When things are out of your control? When you’re driving in traffic? When you are waiting at the checkout?
Conclusion: Remember, your testimony is at stake. Mothers, fathers, husbands, wives—any and most all Christians can find themselves having a short fuse, all depending on their circumstances. If you are reading this right now and saying, “not me,” please do not get overconfident. Let the right circumstances or events happen and then discover “the flesh is weak, but the Spirit is strong”!
So truthfully, at times, you may “lose it” (temper) or “find it,” but either way, if you do, acknowledge it, confess it, and make it right (1 John 1:9). That way our Lord Jesus is glorified: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Praise the Lord!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese