“Anger vs. Sin” has been the topic this week. We are able to see from Ephesians 4:26 and Psalm 4:4 that anger in and of itself is not a sin, but we are called not to let the sun go down, as well as be still an search our hearts, when we are angry. Even though anger is a natural human emotion, as well as an emotion that God Himself feels, we have to make a choice not to sin by taking our anger a step further (rage, fury, malice, hate, bitterness, resentment, un-forgiveness, etc.). Keep in mind, as well, that God is not easily angered and His anger lasts only momentarily (Psalm 30:5). It’s important that we are imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1) by choosing not to be easily angered and learning to let go of our anger in a timely manner. In her book, “Be Angry But Don’t Blow It,” Lisa Bevere states, “Anger in and of itself is not wrong, but rage and fury escalate it into the dimension of the destructive.” Choose to bear the fruit of self-control (Galatians 5:23) and walk in love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). God has already given us all that we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3). We have no excuse not to grow spiritually, even though the process can be painful sometimes.
Although there may be times when we have a right to be angry, we never have the right to take revenge on someone who has harmed us or someone that we love. Revenge is up to the Lord, and He is the only one who is just enough to Judge (Romans 12:19). Sometimes Christian’s experience “righteous anger,” when we see injustice taking place in the world. This comes from the Holy Spirit. We should be revolutionary in our efforts by doing our part to stamp out injustice, bring awareness and make wrongs right, however, we should do so peacefully without causing harm of any kind to someone else. We should never fight hate with hate or evil with evil.
We have no right to judge others (Matthew 5:1). Even if we are angry because of what someone has done or how they are living, we need to leave the ultimate judgment up to God. However, be wise in the company that you keep. Surround yourself with friends who will sharpen you and help you grow in your walk with God. The Bible tells us to be equally yoked with other believers. While we shouldn’t be in deep and intimate fellowship with unbelievers, we can and should shine our light, witness to them, show them love, invite them to church, and so on. Jesus doesn’t want us to be worldly, but He also doesn’t want to take us out of the world. Make wise decisions about your relationships, but do not judge.
“An integral part of being angry and not sinning is knowing when to let go of your anger (Lisa Bevere).” Holding on to anger for too long can cause bitterness, resentment, un-forgiveness, and other ungodly thoughts and feelings to spring up inside of you. Don’t allow the Devil access to your life by holding on to things that are ungodly (1 Peter 5:8). Be quick to resolve disputes, disagreements or feelings of anger. Take the time to be still and search your heart. Ask God to lead you and guide you to the truth. What are you feeling angry about? What is the true reason behind your anger? Are you at fault for any portion of your current situation? Do you need to forgive someone or ask them to forgive you? Take an honest look at what is going on, when you feel angry. “Allow God to reveal Himself in the midst of your pain, conflict or crisis (Lisa Bevere).” When we don’t take the time to evaluate what is going on in and around us, then we are easily lead astray and ensnared by sin.
James 1:12-14 says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” All of us are tempted, and all of us sin, but remember that God is merciful and always willing to forgive you, when you ask Him for forgiveness. Try your best to learn from your mistakes and grow in your spiritual walk. None of us should have to go around the same mountain over and over again. Every time you encounter a situation where you are angry and feel tempted to sin in your anger, take a step back from the situation. Those of us who are in Christ can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Be aware that any bitterness that you hold in your heart will defile you (Hebrews 12:15). According to Lisa Bevere, “the root of bitterness chokes the nourishing seedlings of the Word of God.” This is one reason why the Bible tells us to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). “Bitter roots cause trouble, and they defile. Something that once was pure is contaminated, tainted, adulterated, and corrupted. Our tender hearts, carefully planted with good seed, are permeated by tenacious roots of destructive and bitter poison (Lisa Bevere).” In Ephesians 4:31-32, Paul warns us and instructs us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Living for our flesh will reap corruption, but when we sow to the Spirit, we will reap life. Be mindful of your words, thoughts, and actions towards others, because they can be used as weapons when you are angry.
How can we let go of un-forgiveness and bitterness? “The secret to ridding yourself of a root of bitterness is to forgive and release those who have deeply wounded you (Lisa Bevere).” Forgiveness is not always an easy thing do, but it is a command that God has given us, and we need to obey God, despite our circumstances. As a matter of fact, the Bible tells us that when we don’t forgive others, then God won’t forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). When we forgive others, we don’t just set them free, we set ourselves free!
If you are dealing with anger issues and don’t have peace in your life or within yourself, then ask yourself why. What is the cause of chaos that you feel or face? In the light of God’s Word, examine your life. Jesus has given us His peace (John 14:27). If we want to have peace, then we need to seek it and pursue it (Psalm 34:14). “Receive His peace and let it still your anger and fear (Lisa Bevere).” Has anger become your armor to protect yourself from getting hurt? Do you need to learn how to let your guard down with godly people that you can trust? Pray and ask God to help you in overcoming your anger, and ask Him to bring people into your life that you can trust. You can overcome unhealthy anger! Allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone and allow God to test you in the furnace of affliction for a season (Isaiah 48:10). Nothing will be impossible for you, if you believe (Mark 9:23).
If you sin in your anger, don’t try to conceal it. God sees everything anyway, and He loves you and wants to heal your life. “Confession illuminates or brings to light an issue (Lisa Bevere).” Confess your sins to God, ask Him for forgiveness and allow Him to renew you. “We remove areas of darkness in our lives by allowing the blood of Jesus to cleanse us (Lisa Bevere).” Don’t live your life in condemnation. Jesus didn’t die for us so that we would walk around feeling condemned. He wants to set us free. “Jesus purifies those who confess (Lisa Bevere).” You cannot grow, if you are unwilling to be honest about an anger issue that you or a loved one has. We can only deal with what is wrong in our lives when we admit it and seek help. Take a look at areas of your life where there is unresolved conflict (whether internally or externally). Make a decision to resolve conflict in a Biblical way. You have to make a choice to let go of the things in your life that are unhealthy. Be willing to release others and yourself from un-forgiveness and anger.
If you or someone you love is struggling with anger, I highly recommend the book “Be Angry But Don’t Blow It,” by Lisa Bevere.
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