Learn to Be Angry

Series: Beware of the Little Things
8/18/13
From a baby who has a toy taken away, to and adult who doesn’t get their way, everybody gets angry in some shape or form. Anger is a universal human experience. And for many of us, it is the single greatest challenge in every area of our lives.  Anger is an inherent part of our human nature. We were created with the capacity to express anger, because we were created in the image of God.

God gets angry. Jesus got angry in the Temple and turned over the tables of the money changers and sacrifice sellers. Yet we know that God is holy, and Jesus is without sin. So anger is not necessarily sinful. But our human anger often is, that is why Paul warns in Eph 4:26-27: “In your anger do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Anger is one of those little foxes that ruin the vines. Where there is anger, sin is nearby.  Jesus warns that anger can have very destructive effects, leading to further evil, the ultimate of which is murder (Matt 5:21-24). Anger’s price tag is very high, leaving in its wake a trail of hurt feelings, and broken relationships. For Christians it results in a damaged testimony, lost witnessing opportunities, and wrecked credibility with family, friends, and coworkers. Sinful anger is not a little thing, it has very destructive consequences. We must learn how to be angry in way that glorifies and honors God.