Anger Part 2...

Yesterday, we began a look at what the Apostle Paul taught concerning anger.  If you would like to read yesterday's post, please click here.  Today's post will be part 2.  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Second, Paul tells us “do not let the sun go down on your anger.”  What in the world does this mean?  Well, I’ll tell you.  We have already discussed how anger (sometimes) is a good thing and we are commanded to have it at times.  However, this righteous anger can turn sour.  If left unattended it can cause us some major problems.  It can easily turn to bitterness, resentment, and an “I’m better than you” attitude.  Even the best motivated anger can spoil and we need to put it aside at the end of the day.   

Why must we do this?  Paul tells us in verse 27.  Paul says tells us to do this so that we “give no opportunity to the devil.”  If we leave our righteous anger unattended and if we do not lay it down at the end of the day, the devil will use it.  He will use what was once good and godly for his “devil-like” purposes.   

There is another reason we must “put our anger to bed” at the end of the day.  Anger has the ability to come upon you in a moment and overtake you.  Because of this it has a nature to grow and fester and turn you into a big, huge, angry monster.  Anger should be dealt with immediately.  We need to confess it.  We need to leave it.  We need to give it to God for cleansing before we lay down at the end of the day.  

What does all this mean?  Let’s review.  First, there are certain circumstances where it is not only okay for us to be angry, but we are commanded to be angry.  What does this look like?  This type of anger might display itself when students are bullied at your school, when a child is physically abused by a parent or another adult, or after reading stories or watching videos of children dying of hunger.  It is important to note, these types of situations are the only time the anger is not only permitted, but it is commanded.  

Second, if your anger is only “serving” you, it is sinful anger.  If the only time you are angry is when something bad happens to you, we must give the anger to God to be dealt with.  We must not act on it.  This type of anger is self-destructive, self-serving, and extremely dangerous if left unattended.  We must not “let the sun go down” on this type of anger.  Why?  It gives the devil an opportunity to use it for his good. 

Here are some practical steps you can take to help deal with the anger in your life.  These steps are nothing out of the ordinary, but they are essential.  First of all, talk to God about it.  We must pray.  Tell Him why you are angry.  Tell Him about the injustices going on around the world and ask Him for ways that you could be involved in dealing with these issues.  Ask Him to help you lay your anger down at the end of the day.  Ask Him to help you keep the devil from using your good anger for his good.   

Second, talk to someone that you trust about your anger.  Find a godly friend, a youth pastor, a pastor, or a parent who can help you with your anger.  Tell him/her about what is going on in your life that is making you angry and ask them for advice on how to deal with it.   

Finally, in those times when you are not handling your anger well, place your attention on others and serve them instead of using your anger to get back at those individuals who you are angry at.  These practical steps will help you (and me) not turn into the Incredible Hulk or a fire-breathing dragon. 

 

Anger...

In many ways, this is not easy to write.  This has forced me to think deeply, study diligently, and repent frequently.  Anger is not a simple subject to deal with.  Actually, it may not be that difficult, but it is extremely difficult for me.  You see, I struggle with anger and to be honest, it feels good to admit it.  It is something that I have battled since childhood.  There are times when I get so angry that I feel as if I am going to turn into the Incredible Hulk and destroy anything and everything that gets in my way.  There are times, for no reason at all, I want to scream and shout and turn into a fire-breathing dragon and spew fire on anyone and everyone.  I justify my behavior by blaming others, by blaming circumstances, or by blaming any other thing that takes the guilt off me.  The sad reality is that I do not have anyone or anything to blame but myself.  Thankfully, I can go to the Bible and get help.  I can go to the book of Ephesians and get some advice from the Apostle Paul.  Ephesians 4:26-27 really helps.  Let’s dive into this passage and see how. 

 

First of all, verse 26 tells us to be angry.  Wait!  We are allowed to be angry?    Before we get too “jacked up” in our thinking, let’s define what this means.  Anger is not always a bad thing.  There are times when anger is good.  For example, when Jesus saw that the so-called “righteous people” were extorting money from people in the temple, He got angry.  In Mark 3, Jesus expressed righteous anger at the hard-heartedness of the Pharisees (so-called “righteous people”) who did not like it that Jesus healed a man with a messed up hand on the Sabbath.  We are allowed to be angry at things like injustice (child abuse, sex trafficking poverty, hunger, etc.), immorality, and ungodliness.  

But we cannot stop the discussion here because that is not where Paul ended his statement.  He said, “Be angry and DO NOT SIN…”  Sinful anger is anger that is only being expressed for the purpose of you; it is self-defensive and self-serving.  This type of anger, according to Matthew 5:21-22, leads to murder and judgment.  This type of anger has no place in the life of someone who is a follower of Jesus Christ.  This type of anger must be dealt with; it must be given to God.   

To recap, anger that is unselfish, and is based on a love for God and a concern for others not only is allowed but is commanded.  John MacArthur says this, “Genuine love cannot help being angered at that which injures the object of that love.”  Let’s be angry, but let’s not sin.

Tomorrow, we will continue to look at this passage from Ephesians 4 regarding anger.  Blessings for now!