Handling Anger...... Biblically (9.1.15)

Faith Believers,
Anger can become sinful when it is motivated by pride (James 1:20), when it is unproductive and thus distorts GOD's purposes (1 Corinthians 10:31), or when anger is allowed to linger (Ephesians 4:26-27).

One obvious sign that anger has turned to sin is when, instead of attacking the problem at hand, we attack the wrongdoer. Ephesians 4:15-19 says we are to speak the truth in love and use our words to build others up, not allow rotten or destructive words to pour from our lips. Unfortunately, this poisonous speech is a common characteristic of fallen man (Romans 3:13-14). Anger becomes sin when it is allowed to boil over without restraint, resulting in a scenario in which hurt is multiplied (Proverbs 29:11), leaving devastation in its wake.

Often, the consequences of out-of-control anger are irreparable.

Anger also becomes sin when the angry one refuses to be pacified, holds a grudge, or keeps it all inside (Ephesians 4:26-27). This can cause depression and irritability over little things, which are often unrelated to the underlying problem.

We can handle anger Biblically by recognizing and admitting our prideful anger and/or our wrong handling of anger as sin (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). This confession should be both to GOD and to those who have been hurt by our anger. We should not minimize the sin by excusing it or blame-shifting.

We can handle anger Biblically by seeing GOD in the trial. This is especially important when people have done something to offend us. James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28-29, and Genesis 50:20 all point to the fact that GOD is sovereign over every circumstance and person that crosses our path. Nothing happens to us that He does not cause or allow. Though GOD does allow bad things to happen, He is always faithful to redeem them for the good of His People. GOD is a good GOD (Psalm 145:8, 9, 17). Reflecting on this truth until it moves from our heads to our hearts, will alter how we react to those who hurt us.

We can handle anger Biblically by making room for GOD's wrath. This is especially important in cases of injustice, when "evil" men abuse "innocent" people. Genesis 50:19 and Romans 12:19 both tell us not to "play GOD." GOD is righteous and just, and we can trust Him, who knows all and sees all, to act justly (Genesis 18:25).

We can handle anger Biblically by returning good for evil (Genesis 50:21; Romans 12:21). This is key to converting our anger into love. As our actions flow from our hearts, so also our hearts can be altered by our actions (Matthew 5:43-48). That is, we can change our feelings toward another by changing how we choose to act toward that person.

Thank GOD for what you have,
Trust GOD for what you need.
- Marilyn Chaney