“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.” —Mark Twain
I’m a firm believer that unless you yell at someone to protect them from danger, yelling at another person is never a good idea. I have seen how yelling in anger or frustration at another adult or child can affect them, sometimes for decades. As a youth minister, pastor, and counselor, I know that people who live, work, play or learn in environments where yelling is used to communicate suffer consequences. Some big and some small. Psychological studies across the board show that constant yelling can create depression, anxiety, and stress in those being yelled at. Research also shows that yelling does not result in desired behavioral changes. Employers have no reason to yell at an employee. Either instruct, correct, or fire, but don’t yell. The same goes for parents, too. God built us as emotional beings. Yelling at someone creates all negative emotions. That is never God’s way. Today, speak truth but do it lovingly and calmly, or don’t do it until you can.