God and our Anger

Most of us are uncomfortable with anger, mainly because we have seen the damage caused by uncontrolled anger. We’ve also done some damage ourselves with our anger. I’ve done both. I’ve been hurt by harsh angry words and actions, but I've also let damaging words spew from my mouth.

When one of the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5) is self-control - anger reveals our heart and how the Spirit is not in control - anger is.

“In your anger do not sin...” Ephesians 4:26a (NIV)

Some anger is not sin, but often anger can easily lead to sin and not responding to a situation with godly actions. 

THE WARNING SIGN OF ANGER

Anger is a signal for us. It’s like a red light on your dash. It alerts us to the fact that something is happening under the hood. We need to pay attention to it. 

Are you angry? If so, it’s understandable, there is plenty to be angry about right now. Our world is very broken and the pandemic has pulled back the curtain to show us how broken our world really is. You could be angry about the pandemic, losing a job, what someone said on social media, you could be angry at a co-worker, or about masks or vaccines or the government.

We’ve all got all kinds of anger issues going on in our lives right now. Why?

I think the big answer is:  THINGS ARE NOT GOING HOW I WANT THEM TO GO. We don’t feel like we have control. No control about: The pandemic, the economy, political division, government, and so much more. 

So what do we do? Here is my encouragement to you today - 

ASK GOD TO SEARCH YOUR HEART

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

Psalm 139:23 (NLT)

Here’s where we have to start. We come humbly before God and say: God, please examine my heart. What is going on beneath the surface that I need to face? Give that issue to God and ask His help with the source of our anger.

FOLLOW GOD’S PLAN FOR ANGER

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20 (NIV)

Here is one of the key Biblical passages on anger. Notice the pattern: (1) Quick to hear (2) Slow to speak (3) Slow to become angry.

Listen. We can’t listen too much. Slow to speak. Let things slow down. Slow to anger.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Let your anger lead you to God. And then deal with the why of anger in His presence. Our world has enough anger right now - what is needed instead is followers of Jesus with humble hearts who are willing to point people to the grace and hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.