January 30, 2026

Have you ever been in a grocery store or any kind of business where employees have to deal with the public and you witness someone raging at a checker or another employee? It’s awkward. Uncomfortable. People pull back, appearing to grow smaller as they attempt to escape the drama. Out of control anger is not a good sign. Our mental health relies on our ability to control emotional responses. Grocery checkers are not responsible for prices. They do not stock shelves or keep inventory lists. There are few valid reasons a customer should confront them.

Anger puts people on edge. Our society grows a little less humane every day. The nightly news drives blood pressure up. Many people confess they’ve stopped watching it. How did we get here? When did stress override kindness to the point someone would allow their fury to spill out into bank lines, doctor’s offices or a workplace? Most people are too embarrassed to be seen that way.

When you can, choose peace. If you are caught in a situation where anger is displayed, try to diffuse it. Be careful. Be loving. Be kind. But be brave enough to support someone who is being unfairly attacked.

God, Help me stay in control of my emotions. People are having trouble adapting to inflation, gas prices, wars around the globe and many cultural changes. Help us cling to You, God. Help us remember life is cyclical. What we see today will be a lesson learned by tomorrow. As we deal with modern life, help us trust You to keep us centered, trusting You are with us in all things.

Get rid of your bitterness, hot tempers, anger, loud quarreling, cursing, and hatred. Ephesians 4:31