Love, Anger, & Control

Paul Bishop

MA, LPC, LPC/S

11/21/2022

The more you cannot control the world around you, the more you may find yourself trying to control those in the world closest to you. When you cannot, you may resort to anger and even become abusive in how you relate to others. The problem is that anger and control don’t foster love but, on the contrary, cause others to pull back emotionally. True love gives a voice and does not dictate a response. I find it interesting to read where Jesus lamented the lack of relationship with those He loved in Matthew 23:37. He said, “How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me!” The God who could control the response of others chooses out of love to offer a choice. Instead of forcing a response, He lovingly laments the refusal of others to come to Him. Love thrives in freedom, not under control. How are you doing in loving like God? Do your offer a relationship out of love or demand control out of anger? God loves you and invites you to come to Him. To love like this means inviting, caring, and sometimes lamenting when others “won’t let you” be there for them. It does not mean demanding, controlling, or removing consequences for the choices of others.