The Attitude of ....

‘Dealing With Anger’

 

The Text Comes from:

Ephesians 4:26

And “don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------

NOTES FROM TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

Unfortunately we cannot always avoid getting angry. Sooner or later something is going to happen that will upset us. Scripture teaches us that even God gets angry. (Deut. 9:8, 20; Ps. 2:12) Yet God never has a sinful anger. Because He is holy, even His anger is holy. Unfortunately, we’re not God. Our nature is not holy. There is a thread of sinfulness woven throughout our lives and therefore it is easy for us to become sinfully angry.

Note three things about anger:

1- The Attitude of Sinful Anger. Paul refers to bitterness. Some people become angry and it is evident. Others become angry and it is not so evident. Such people are often able to paint a smile on their face while holding anger in their heart. We must be constantly on guard against the presence of an angry attitude.

2 – The Actions of Sinful Anger. The temptation of anger is to attack others. Some attack through acts of rage. Others attack through words of slander. Jesus said – “You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the high council. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” (Mt 5:21-22)

3- The Adversary and Sinful Anger. Perhaps the one thing that makes anger so dangerous is how the devil uses it. Paul tells us that sinful anger gives the Devil a foothold in our lives. The Greek word used here refers to a piece of property. Though Satan cannot possess a believer, he can use angry emotions to take control of our lives.

How can we deal with sinful anger?

1- Reveal it. Rather than let angry feelings fester in our hearts, we need to deal with them daily. We need to confess it as sin and ask the Lord to forgive us. It is also good to find a prayer partner who will help us fight this battle. James tells us – ‘Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.’ (Js 5:16)

2- Replace it. Paul says – “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (vs 32) Whenever we are tempted to become angry and judgmental of others, we need to stop and consider the grace of God that has been shown to us. We deserved the wrath of God, yet instead, God poured out His wrath upon His own Son. If God is so willing to forgive us, can’t we be as willing to forgive others?

Are you struggling with anger? Has someone done something to you that you feel is unjust? Don’t give the Devil a foothold in your life by harboring those angry feelings. Pray to God about what has happened and how it makes you feel. Ask for His grace to overcome your sinful emotions and to replace them with His love. And rest in the fact that God not only knows all about the situation, but also in His time, He will deal with it in a righteous way.

----------------------------------------------------------