Anger vs. Sin (part 4)

This week, “Anger vs. Sin” has been the topic. Although anger is not a sin, what we sometimes choose to do in our anger is. Ephesians 4:26 and Psalm 4:4 instruct us not to sin in anger, not to let the sun go down while we’re angry (deal with anger in a timely manner), and to search our hearts. God can relate to our feelings of anger, because He feels this emotion as well. However, He wants to lead us and guide, in order to help us make wise and healthy decisions in our lives.

When we are angry, we are not to take revenge on anyone (Romans 12:19). The Bible tells us that we should persevere under trials and temptation (James 1:12-14), forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15), and walk in love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8), bearing the fruit of self-control (Galatians 5:23). The apostle Paul instructed us in Ephesians 4:31-32, “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” We cannot be effective for God’s Kingdom if we are holding on to anger. We need to learn to let go of anger in a timely manner and deal with our feelings in healthy ways.

It is important to bear in mind that we are also not to judge others, no matter what the circumstance may be (Matthew 7:1). When we judge others, we will also be judged, and when we don’t forgive others, then God will not forgive us. “We have permission to be angry when there is a cause, but never to be destructive or punitive (Lisa Bevere).” If you are struggling with anger, then talk to God and someone you can trust about what you are going through. Seek Biblical solutions and make the decision not to harbor unhealthy anger in your life.

Lisa Bevere gave good advice about anger in her book “Be Angry But Don’t Blow It!” One piece of advice that Lisa gave was, “Receive His peace and let it still your anger and fear.” Jesus has given us His peace (John 14:27), but we also have to seek it and pursue it (Psalm 34:14). We also need to take time to be still and listen to God’s voice, pray, have quiet time and fellowship with the Lord. Our culture is obsessed with being busy, but when we busy ourselves with too many things then we often miss out on time with our loved ones and time with the Lord. If you don’t have peace in your life, then examine what is going on around you, and make the decision to change, set boundaries and seek peace. Take care of yourself and know that dealing with your anger and having peace will not only benefit others, it will greatly benefit you.

Sometimes we use anger as armor to protect ourselves. Often times we have been used, abused or hurt by people, and we don’t want to let our guard down. However, you don’t have to spend your life living with anger and guarding yourself from intimacy. Pray that God will bring godly people into your life that you can trust, and He will. Also, keep in mind that if you want to receive mercy, then you need to give mercy to others. If you are angry with someone, you have an opportunity to step out in faith and extend mercy to them, instead of using anger as armor for your own protection. What we sow, we reap. Not only will you be acting in faith and obedience, when you sow mercy to others, but you will reap the benefits of acting mercifully. It’s a win, win situation! In her book “Be Angry But Don’t Blow It,” Lisa Bevere talks about when she came to know Christ and states, “I was so overwhelmingly aware of the mercy I had received that I was quick to extend mercy to others.”

Allow God to test you in the “furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 48:10), and use moments of anger in your life as opportunities for spiritual growth. Get out of your comfort zone and start doing things differently. “God is more concerned with our condition than our comfort (Lisa Bevere).” Don’t justify bad behavior, when you sin in anger. Be honest about the mistakes that you make and humble yourself before the Lord. Ask Him for forgiveness when you sin in anger, and ask Him to show you how to handle situations in your life where you feel angry. It’s not always going to be easy. Sometimes you will fail but sometimes you will succeed! Just keep working at it, and eventually it will get easier. Just as easily as you developed the habit of sinning in anger, you can break the habit of sinning in anger. Learn to obey the Spirit and not your flesh. Follow God’s commands and seek other help if you need to. You can overcome anger issues. Nothing is impossible if you only believe (Mark 9:23).