Volume 3 Post/Email 11 – Anger
by brian
Do you ever find yourself angry because of something or someone?
Ephesians 4:26-27 reads, "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."
It is possible to become angry without sinning, but Paul instructs us not to sin, since people generally do while angry. The other two statements and points flow from this instruction.
Anger that is not released is emotionally and spiritually unhealthy, which is why Paul says to lose it before the sun goes down. Furthermore, the devil can gain a foothold in our spiritual castle while we are angry.
In midieval castles, once the enemy broke through and gained a foothold, it was only a matter of a short period of time before they worked their way up and gained a stronghold.
Anger is toxic! The habit of harboring feelings of anger is not only a physically unhealthy lifestyle, but also a spiritually unhealthy one.
James writes that we are to be slow to become angry, because man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (1:19-20).
Sometimes we think we are righteous when angry. We can always attempt to justify our anger, but being quick to become angry is to live a life contrary to God's desire for us.
Wherever you find yourself in this matter, understand that God grants us the spiritual resources to live a life of shalom, or peace. God's peace is a blessing, and fruit, he wants to grant and produce in our lives.
(The next post will more deeply examine various Scriptures and thoughts on peace. I also intend to dedicate a post or two on the application of being peacemakers.)
-Brian
