“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry… Ephesians 4:26
Anger is an emotion.
Even Jesus experienced anger (see John 2:14-15). He cursed a barren fig tree and it withered. He called the Pharisees a brood of vipers. But He didn’t chew on his anger, digest it, and let it get inside of Him.
It is difficult to control emotions when they bubble up but we can choose how to respond to them when they do surface. IF your anger leads to malice, or envy, or pre-judgment or gossip or not treating the other person in love (even if it is tough love) then watch out! You may be giving the devil an entrance.
When we put a “d” in front of anger (the devil) is spells DANGER!
When anger bubbles up, be careful of what you think or say. Stop. Give it to the Lord. The old adage of counting slowly to ten before reacting has merit.
Anger can become more than a gut reaction. If we brood, it can lead to digestive issues and an embittered attitude. Righteous anger can lead to positive results if guided by the Holy Spirit’s fruit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) but anger that has been stirred by the devil rarely makes a good recipe to swallow. It is flavored with self and seasoned with negativity. Add a dash of hurt and you are in a stew!
We are all human, and we can get angry. But it is what we allow to happen next that makes all the difference.
Where will you find Him speaking to you in your day?
By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission
FURTHER READING
• What is Your Measuring Stick?
• The Power of Forgiveness
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