Anger

Ephesians 4:26-27
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil
 
If you are human, you’ve experienced anger. I know it’s a familiar companion to me. I’ve let anger get the best of me more than once. Whether it be ruining a family gathering with my temper or getting ejected from coaching a baseball game while serving as the local FCA Director, I know the damage anger can cause. How do you handle anger when it arises? Do you manage it well? Do you give full vent to rage and damage relationships? Based on scripture, the anger itself is not sinful. But the actions, words and attitudes that flow from the anger are sinful. When anger arises, we have the ability through the power of God’s Spirit, to say no to the actions, words, and attitudes that can follow. Because of what Jesus has done on the cross, we can choose to say no to our sinful desires in the moment of anger. Self-control is a fruit of God’s Spirit.
 
Throughout my life, I’ve learned that my biggest strengths can become my biggest weaknesses. My passion and intensity can quickly cross the line into anger and rage. Sometimes, our biggest sinful actions and thoughts usually come from God-given gifts that are used in a sinful way. Righteous anger can turn to rage. Simple hunger can turn to gluttony. God-given desire can turn to lust. The desire to provide for our family can turn to greed. The right thing done at the wrong time can still be wrong. When anger arises this week, don’t beat yourself up. Feel it, process it, look for the cause of it, but above all else, take it to God. God can handle our anger (read Psalm 73), He wants us to go to Him in the midst of it and call on His Spirit for the self-control needed to be angry and not sin. After all, our anger is not a good tool to accomplish God’s righteousness.
 
James 1:19-20
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.