If I recall regrettable moments in my life almost always the controlling emotion in that moment is anger. I regret disciplining my children in anger rather than love. I regret allowing anger to invade my marriage and steal the joy in our home from time to time. I regret harsh words spoken to a friend when I become angry.
I love the wisdom of the late Dallas Willard who wrote – “There is nothing that can be done with anger that cannot be done better without it.” The Scripture says, “don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.” (Ephesians 4:26, NLT) Two things are emphasized – we must not lose rational control over anger, for then it flows into rage which is always destructive! And anger must have limits. We cannot just ‘stay mad’ for days on end because that kind of unresolved anger eats away at us – body and soul.
Anger is a lot like fire. A fire in the fireplace warms and comforts us. A fire that escapes its boundaries destroys quickly! When we feel the stirring of anger over injustice, cruelty, human suffering, and such matters we can use that emotion to move us to engagement and action, however we must do so, without sinning.
Godly people will become passionately angry when the weak are abused, when others are oppressed or robbed of their dignity. Actions that diminish God’s honor or that potentially harm those He loves will cause His people to rise up with anger to take corrective action– and rightly so!
We love to point out Jesus’ actions in the Temple when he drove out the crooked merchants who were profiting from exploitation of the poor who were trying to fulfill their holy obligations. “Well, Jerry, Jesus tipped over their tables and chased them out of the Temple.” He did and we can see the value of overcoming apathy in His actions.
However, His was righteous anger. Is yours? It is an honest question. Are you angry about a personal slight or not getting your way OR are you truly angry on behalf of some good cause?
Remember James’ word, “man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.”
When I feel anger, the better choice, one I do not always make I must admit with transparency, is to step back, to pray, and to reflect before speaking or acting. I try to face the fact that I am angry, then allow that emotion to take me to the Lord in prayer to pour out all my tumbling emotions. When I choose that path, instead of regrettable things I find myself moved to deeper compassion, to greater love, to positive action.
How about you? Is life a mess for you, making you smolder with anger?
Does the state of the world make you angry?
Are the choices of those you love making you angry?
Do not just rage, blame, and threaten.
Take a prayer time-out! God will hear you with grace because He knows you inside out! As the stormy emotions find release in His Presence, there will be change in you. As the Lord’s love renews you, you will find a new foundation for your caring. In Him, you will find security so that you can respond with proactive desires to change things instead of destructive reactions.
Here is a word from the Word to think on today: “Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding; a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity.” (Proverbs 14:29, The Message) Wow, that speaks to me. How about you?
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