Martin Luther said, “You cannot keep birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair”.   Anger will come at times in your life, so what does God’s Word have to say about handling anger properly?

First, Scripture tells us to (1) “be angry, and sin not:  do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26).

Believers are very likely to get angry at those things that make God angry…when God’s righteous standards (Deuteronomy 32:4) are defied.  When we see exploitation, pride, selfishness, slander, hypocrisy and other sin around us, anger is our reaction based on the fact that something has been done that God hates – and sin is not right.  In this we must check ourselves to see if we are angry because sin has occurred, or if we are angry because of our own selfishness, pride and other sin.

Second, Ephesians 4:26 says, (2) “be angry, and sin not” (emphasis added).  We must be careful that we dot no sin in our anger.  Paul tells us later on in verse 31 that anger is to be put away from us.  This statement is a warning that anger is dangerous.  Sin lies in wait around the corner.

Third, Ephesians 4:26 goes on to say, (3) “do not let the sun go down on your anger“.

Inherent in anger is danger that a root of bitterness (Hebrews 12:15) will spring up.  Anger can change into bitterness when others won’t conform to the righteousness we perceive they need.  I think one of the indicators this has occurred is when a believer will revile “in return”, something Christ never did (1 Peter 2:23).

Μόνο ο Χριστός:  In Christ Alone

You don’t have the ultimate power to control or change others.  That is God’s purview.  If satisfaction in your life is rooted in other people, you will never be satisfied.

Your adversary will answer to God one day.  He is all-powerful, not your adversary.  This liberating fact enables you to submit your anger to the Lordship of Christ and find your rest and satisfaction in Him alone.

Righteous anger will come, but don’t let it take root and cause bitterness and sin in your own life.

 

Posted in Anger, Christlikeness, Spiritual Growth