A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
Today we continue in Psalm 37 this time in verse 8 “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil”.
Anger is the most destructive character trait we can display-it leads to conflict in relationships, loss of respect and honour and ultimately to self-destruction. The Bible strongly condemns anger and instead tells us to “turn the other cheek” and if we do find ourselves angry we must make amends before the damage is out of control: “In your anger do not sin’: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4v26).
Does this mean we can get angry if we don’t sin? Obviously we are all subject to irritation, frustration and perceived unfairness when people wrong us or are incompetent and lazy. But we need to make sure our anger isn’t used to bully, show we are superior or to protect our perceived rights and status. If we find we are letting anger control us make the problem one of genuine prayer that the Holy Spirit will transform us and make us bear fruits of love, patience, longsuffering and kindness. But didn’t Jesus get angry?-yes He did, but not to defend Himself. He got angry when His Father’s House was turned into a “den of thieves” so there is a legitimate righteous anger when God’s name is dishonoured. We just need to make sure we keep our anger under control and make clear the reason. To sum up selfish and self-righteous anger has no place in the lives of committed Christians so when we do get angry we must confess before the injured party and the Lord as soon as possible before the sin grows like a cancer and destroys us and others and affects our relationship with the Lord.
Friends, ”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1v9). If you are constantly angry please cry out to the Lord to change you by His Holy Spirit before your anger does permanent damage to you, your loved ones and dare I say it your “enemies”.
God Bless
Graeme Greenwood