Some of our biggest regrets in life are the result of things said or done while we were angry. Words are powerful and can not really be undone. Actions are equally powerful and can scar. Yet we are emotional beings – formed in the image of our Creator. Today’s society says anger is fine. As a matter of fact, anger is good. Reality TV, cartoons, dramas, Instagram, and other media outlets all demonstrate that its okay to get angry and respond accordingly to someone who has hurt us. The angriest drama gets the most views, the highest ratings, and the most likes.
As children and followers of the Most High, we are called to think differently. We are called to remember who holds our future and who truly defends us.
‘…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
‘Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.’ Ephesians 4:31-32
Someone once told me that anger is always a secondary emotion. It never appears alone. Anger always follows a primary emotion. Our first step is to ask ourselves WHY are we angry? I assure you there is a reason for the anger. Are we hurt, disappointed, feeling betrayed or disrespected? Do we feel taken advantage of, rejected, unappreciated? There are so many emotions and feelings that can trigger anger. However, in these circumstances, our anger rarely creates a positive result. Our anger rarely gets us justice and often makes things worse; because.
‘Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. ‘ James 1:20
Our angry response does not create balance or justice and can destroy relationships and weaken our spiritual bonds. We are called to trust Yahweh to create the balance and deliver justice. He does not need our help, so get out of His way.
For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish. Psalms 37:28
Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully. Proverbs 28:5
I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Psalms 140:12
We must trust that Yahweh will serve justice AND accept that we may not be a witness to that justice. Our human nature wants to SEE the other person suffer (to be sure they got what they deserved), but that is not our privilege. Yahweh will address that person privately in His own way and ensure that justice is balanced and fair – as He does when He serves justice to you. Do you really want the world to know each and every time you suffer the consequences of your actions? Sometimes we see the justice, and other times we do not.
As humans, we can hold onto anger for years – everyday, relationships are destroyed due to momentary anger. We say and do things we don’t mean. We isolate and destroy current bonds and prevent new ones.
‘Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.’ Psalms 37:8
‘for anger gives a foothold to the devil. ‘ Ephesians 4:27
‘… if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. ‘ Galatians 5:15
‘Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool. ‘ Ecclesiastes 7:9
We are called to remember that wisdom should guide our steps and actions.…
‘People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. ‘ Proverbs 14:29
‘Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated. ‘ Proverbs 14:17
‘A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them. ‘ Proverbs 15:18
‘Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. ‘ Proverbs 29:11
When we get angry – because of a primary emotion – we should pray. Ask for help in identifying our reasons for our anger. Ask for strength in responding to the anger in a wise way.
‘…now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. ‘ Colossians 3:8
‘Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. ‘ James 1:19
It is important to point out that Yahweh gave us righteous anger as a gift. Righteous anger should spur us to make change – in ourselves and in the world. Where we see injustice or abuse, we are called to be a catalyst for change.
This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. Jeremiah 22:3 (NIV)
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. …what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
‘Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.’ Isaiah 1:17
… let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24
The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Proverbs 29:7
When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. Proverbs 21:15
Our prayer for you:
Heavenly Father, we ask that You teach give us your peace in times when anger is our strongest response. We look to You to reveal the sources of our anger and heal our pain. We know that you are there in our times of greatest anguish and we can give our huts to you. You will serve the justice that is appropriate and fair. Heavenly Father, we also ask that you reveal the correct times when our anger is righteous and show us the path to address it. We thank you for your guidance and wisdom to determine when to respond and how to respond to the injustice in the world and the injustice towards us. Thank you for your love and grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
