“And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”
Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT
My father was not a person given to anger. Indeed, he was very slow to anger. In fact, his anger would generally be concerning someone else being mistreated in some way. But, when he did get angry, it was a whole body experience for him. I remember hearing him say that it felt like rockets were going off in his chest. I had no idea what he was talking about…until it happened to me.
Now, the fact is, if a person can look at some of the things going on in the world today without being angry, I would seriously doubt their grasp on reality.
Indeed, anger is a very human emotion. But—as the Bible will confirm—it can also be a very Godlike emotion, even righteous indignation.
What makes the difference concerning anger is what we do with it. Now, I must say here that someone always given to anger,
has some other issues they need to take before the Lord, asking for forgiveness and deliverance.
What we are considering here are the things that would make basically anybody angry, rather than those people who are an angry outburst waiting to happen.
In fact, the ecclesiastical writer says that the person who is always ready to be angry, makes themselves foolish.
“Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger dwells in the heart of fools.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 AMP
Anger, given full outward expression, becomes aggression, vengeance-seeking, or even violence. Anger, turned inwardly, can become depression, despair, and even suicidal imagery.
The fact is that nothing good grows from an always angry heart.
“Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us].”
James 1:19-20 AMP
As the Holy Spirit is given more freedom in your life, you will find that the fruit of the Spirit will begin to take away the inclination toward being angry. However, godly anger will and should continue to exist. But, godly anger should be dealt with through taking the anger to the Lord in prayer, asking Him what He would have you do. Yes, allow that anger to be turned into fervency before God. After all, we know that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)
In our opening scripture Paul exhorts the people to not allow anger to cause them to sin. As well, he warns that anger gives a place for the devil in your life.
Remember: anger can be a destroyer of your peace, or a motivation towards fervently seeking the Lord. Choose the latter! And if anger does cause you to sin, quickly repent!
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
Comments