Ever Get Angry?: We All Get Angry
Friday, January 21, 2022
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"And 'don’t sin by letting anger control you.' Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil." Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Everyone from infancy on experiences angry feelings. However, Christians often find it difficult to admit that anger exists in their lives. Many see anger as a feeling that is contradictory to their faith, but the Bible makes it clear that anger is an ethically neutral force that can be used to glorify God . . . or to sin against him. It can be used for good, but it has potential for danger and can lead to sin.
God created our emotional being, and we are created in his image. How can we see anger itself as sinful if God gets angry? Many scriptures refer to God's anger, which is always directed toward defeating sin and unrighteousness. His anger is righteous. "God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day." Psalm 7:11 NLT
Jesus showed his anger toward the wickedness in the house of God. (Read Mark 11:15-18).
Consider This...
We all get angry, and sometimes our anger becomes sin against God. God's anger is directed toward defeating wickedness. Is ours?
Today's scripture warns about two ways anger can become sin. The first is by letting anger control us. Letting it shape our thoughts and attitudes and motivate our actions. The second is by not resolving it. "Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry." Don't let it fester and turn into bitterness. Uncontrolled, unresolved, or misdirected anger allows the devil to get a foothold in our lives. It can lead to a multitude of sins.
And so, the question is not, do we get angry. Yes, we do. But where is our anger directed? Are we resolving it or letting it build. Is it our master—or our servant?
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I become angry because I don't get my way. Forgive me for letting anger take control. Help me make anger my servant, not my master. In Jesus' name...
These thoughts were drawn from … Anger: Our Master or Our Servant by Larry Heath. This study offers a clear explanation of anger, what causes it, and how to recognize when you are sinning with anger. It not only ministers to church members but serves as a powerful evangelistic tool. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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