Anger
A number of years ago I was angry about a couple of things going on at that time. Anger is not usually a big problem for me but these were two lingering issues that were really bothering me and beginning to impact me as I internalized them. I decided to go and speak with an older man from our church that I greatly respected for some guidance.
On the day of our meeting i was very excited about the opportunity to download these issues to him. Looking back, I think that what I was anticipating most was some validation for my anger. I needed someone to justify what I was feeling. What I received that day was a life-changing response from a wise and godly man.
After I shared my issues with him, I sat back and waited the affirmation and empathy that I was seeking. Instead, he responded by asking me a simple but profound question - “Mark, what is your greatest purpose in life?” I was taken aback by his question but scrambled and came up with a solid and biblically correct answer. I said, “My greatest purpose is to glorify God and be the godly spiritual leader for my family that He created me to be.”
Satisfied with my answer, he then asked me a second question, “Are you familiar with James 1:20?” I responded that I had read the book of James several times but couldn’t remember that specific verse. He then opened his Bible and slid it across his desk for me to read.
James 1:20 Man’s anger does not achieve the righteousness of God.
Oh. Wow. Umm. Well, I guess that might change a few things for me. These powerful words cut right into my heart where I had internalized this anger and gave me a completely new perspective on how to move forward. I was allowing these issues to derail me from living out my greatest purpose in life and until, I overcame my anger, it would continue to do so. That was a seismic paradigm shift for me in that moment and one that I greatly needed.
Is anger a big problem for you? Are you easily angered? Can one remark ruin your day or even a relationship?Here are a few key truths about anger that can help us all:
A huge misconception about anger is that we believe that our sinful anger is caused by other people or events. The truth is that no one makes us angry - we CHOOSE to become angry with how we react to these things. If we have become angry about something it is because we chose that response instead of grace, patience, compassion etc…
Proverbs 19:11 A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.
Anger is a gateway sin that can lead to all kinds of other sins with a progression that is really destructive. Anger is never static – it will grow into resentment, bitterness, hostility & even revenge…. It must be dealt with. Filing away a record of grievances against someone is a sure road to bitterness.
1 Corinthians 13:5 Love….is not easily angered …Love keeps no record of wrongs..
Lastly, God knows that we are going to get angry sometimes. We are sinful humans so it is absolutely going to happen - maybe daily. But, look at what Paul is telling us in this verse. He is not condoning anger, he is instructing us not to hold onto it - to keep short accounts. Forgive and move on.
Ephesians 4:26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger
The other critical piece in biblically and effectively dealing with anger is forgiveness. We’ll cover that next week. Until then,
Stay hungry,
Big E
Matthew 5:6