Anger

[Bailey2]

Yes, and while doing that one can certainly be gentle with oneself. The way you treat yourself is, after all, the way you will treat others. Right Bailey?

ut-oh

[Brigid]

Am I wrong? Tell me if I am.

[martin]

Brigid and Baily  :rot fl:

I'm now confused as to why you're confused. 
Is St Francis not simply saying if your prone to anger or any other undesirable trait then try practicing the virtue that opposes it.
Maybe I've read it wrong... Gimme a sweeping brush too. 

[Brigid]

Brigid and Baily  :rot fl:

I'm now confused as to why you're confused. 
Is St Francis not simply saying if your prone to anger or any other undesirable trait then try practicing the virtue that opposes it.
Maybe I've read it wrong... Gimme a sweeping brush too. 

I don't read it that way at all. I read it that he is saying that one must be gentle with oneself rather than angry at oneself when we don't do what is wanted by God. This while taking seriously (but not with the pride that comes forth when we are mad at ourselves for failing) the imperfection/sin. Later in that same passage he says that "a fathers gentle, loving rebuke has far greater power to correct a child than rage and passion".

[martin]

Yes I see now what you mean Brigid.
I found that to be true so often, that when I don't live up to job and get too overcome by disappointment, it works against me rather than for me.. Keeps me focused on me too much.
I'm glad you read it that way.

[Brigid]

Martin, you've got just what I meant. Wise gentleman.