Don't Let Anger Drive

Ephesians 4:26-27

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.

We all struggle with moments of anger - small frustrations or an overwhelming situation. People pressing for a reaction out of you or situations testing your patience. Rather than lashing out with harsh words and actions, which only leave us with guilt and shame, we can stop and focus on Scripture to help guide us.

The Bible gives plenty of advice on dealing with anger and how to handle our emotions. Yes, we are saved but we are still in the flesh. And we know the flesh and the spirit are always at war against one another. Flesh has it's own desires and wants this is why we must keep it under subjection.

Anger isn't the sin but your actions and or response because of anger is where sin may come in. Anything that controls us other than the Holy Spirit can lead us astray or throw us off course and blindside us from the mark causing us to lose focus on Christ and his love for us and others. Proverbs 15:1. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” When we are upset we tend to say things that will upset the other person also. We add fuel to the fire. Which could result into a physical confrontation.

Yes, you may have a valid reason to be angry but anger has the power to cause us to self-destruct hurting those around us and our witness as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Before you say something you can't take back, before you do something you will regret take a moment to ask these questions. Is what I'm about to sat edifying? Will either of us grow from it? Am I feeling this way because of ego and pride? Will it cause harm to them or the name of Christ? Is it even worth it?

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry James 1:19. This verse not only gives wise instruction, but it points us to spiritual growth and encourages us to live in ways marked by patience and peace.

Lord give us patience and understanding on today to walk in self-control, love and kindness. Put the words in our mouth that you would have us to speak to draw people closer to you that they may see the love you shed for us on calvary and still have for us today. In Jesus Name Amen