Get angry easily? Got a quick fuse? Have trouble controlling your physical reaction? Get in line!

19 A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue him, and you will have to do it again.

Many don’t realize that anger (wrath) is a godly emotion. The problem is that we humans cannot express it in a holy fashion.

Continuing:
Chaste- Virtuous, undefiled, stainless, kept.
Thoughts lead to actions. God says for us to guard our hearts.
Thoughts, hearts/feelings, actions–they’re all connected!

There are quite a few areas in which we humans are susceptible to sin: Entitlement, Lust, Pride, Vanity, Impatience, Selfishness, Sloth, Anger, Spite, Rage, Hate, Gluttony, Fear, to name a few. So far, we looked at Selfishness and Sloth. Today, we cover Anger, Spite, and Rage.

Anger- Anger, which is also known in the Bible as wrath, is what we feel when things don’t go the way we think they should. In many cases, they ought to go the way we think they should, but in a whole lot of other ones, we get angry because we don’t get our way, we are frustrated, caught off-guard, embarrassed, trapped, tired, impatient, or out of control. As we can see, there are many ungodly reasons for our anger. Getting angry is not a sin; allowing our anger to control us is. Anger moves us to action, but we must make sure that we are acting according to the LORD’s direction. Also, going to bed angry is harmful. In fact, Paul tells us, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27. God wants us to come to Him when we are angry. We should never try to get even or to seek revenge, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 and also Deuteronomy 32:35. In fact, Paul and James both tell us to be kind and tenderhearted to our enemies. I’m sure they learned it from Jesus, ““You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45. The best weapon we have against anger is prayer. The moment we feel angry, we need to run to the Father. Tell Him about it and ask what we are to do. In the physical, we may need to separate ourselves from the situation for a moment or two until we have done this. To keep our eyes from betraying us, we probably should bow our heads while we pray. Also, we should try to not express our anger by getting physical: hitting the wall or someone, kicking the trash can, etc. Going for a walk/run is acceptable, as long as we pray while we do it. 

Spite- A type of revenge.

Rage- Out of control anger.

Here’s the deal: We’re all good at justifying our anger, wrath, spite and rage. We might even justify our “flying off the handle” with someone, even hitting him/her. The problem is that this type of behavior is OC (Old Covenant). It’s what lost people do. Jesus has put us to death to this way of living. We are resurrected to walk a new way and a new path. His Spirit is in us so that we can learn to NOT act this way. If you’re wondering what God likes concerning how we interact with people, let’s look at Ephesians 4:29-32,

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

1. No unwholesome talk…only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs. Wow! That’s a pretty tall order. WE NEED HELP! WE NEED THE HOLY SPIRIT! It’s a good thing we have Him!!!
2. Grieve- choke, strangle, cause anguish, quench (1 Thess. 5:19). He is our salvation. Listen to Him.
3. Get rid of- Leave at the throne. Receive His love, joy and peace; give forgiveness, kindness, and gentleness; serve your adversary instead of fighting him/her.
4. Remember that Christ forgave us, therefore, we have what it takes to forgive them. In fact, we can go beyond just forgiving our adversaries to serving them. It gives the Spirit the opportunity to convict them of their sin.

Take it from someone who has an explosive anger–me! It CAN be done over time and with much agonizing. But, it’s worth it. Just to feel the Father’s pleasure makes it worth it! Other things we gain: Closer family and friends, respect, self-respect, and brothers instead of enemies.

Abba, I pray for all of us that we would see the dangers of anger and apply ourselves to ridding our lives of its toxic effects. May we run to You and depend on You every time we get angry. I know that You will guide us in what to do about the situation. May we be Christ to those around us especially during times of strife and discord. May You be praised and glorified in all we think, say and do. Amen.