Being Merciful Instead Of Being Angry

Dear God,

If You could put Your wrath aside, and instead, offer forgiving kindness, love and mercy for my abundant sins, how can I do less when it concerns the errors of my DS and DD, and even other people around me? You are always so gracious when I don't deserve it... I need a lot of Your strength to be compassionate when someone wrongs me or hurts my feelings. It is always so much easier for me to strike and hit back, but I want to be like You, to emulate and follow You.

I know it is important that I do this, not only for the feelings of everyone involved, but also so that I may be an example of Your love. I wouldn't want to be responsible for anyone, especially my kids, rejecting You because I chose to react inappropriately to a wrong done. Please direct my steps and actions, Lord, and grant me the strength I need to be like You in many ways...

Yet he was merciful;
he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger
and did not stir up his full wrath.
Psalm 78:38