HOW DO WE HANDLE ANGER? (Part II)

HOW DO WE HANDLE ANGER? (Part II)

Although it is counterintuitive to what we might expect, it is actually reasonable and right to conclude that anger is a divinely implanted emotion.  How so?  Because God’s Word allows us the freedom to become angry, as long as our responses do not reflect sinful behaviors.  Thus, Ephesians 4:26 admonishes believers to “be angry, and do not sin.”  Bottom-line: Righteous living requires that forgiveness must always be present in moments of anger.

If you wonder how our loving and gracious God would allow anger to impact the lives of His children, consider this: Anger is closely allied with the believer’s character, which detests and opposes anything that isn’t just or right.  This means that followers of Christ feel strongly that evil (not people) is both irritating and abhorrent.  It has been said that the person who cannot feel anger at evil is a person who lacks genuine enthusiasm for good.  If we do not hate wrong, it is questionable whether we truly love righteousness. 

Let’s look at the life of Jesus Christ, our perfect example, in order to find evidence that anger can be a divinely implanted emotion.  For example, Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath and saw a man with a crippled hand.  He knew that the Pharisees were watching to see what He would do, and Mark records that Jesus was disturbed that those religious leaders did not care for that man or value the power of God brought to bear on him, but were only out to prove Christ wrong.  We should note that Jesus’ upset emotions did not hinder the complete healing of that man.  (Mark 3:1-5)

Also, Jesus Christ showed anger when he drove out “those who sold and those who bought in the temple.” (Mark 11:15-17) God’s house of prayer was becoming a den of thieves -- hence Jesus' angry words and deeds.  Anyone who cannot be angry at anything that thwarts God’s purposes is living too far away from his fellowman to feel compassion and love.  Think about it.

We must be angry at unrighteousness; then we must minister to it, and minister in spite of it.  Lesson learned.  My friend, whenever you are angry at someone else for any reason at all, be sure to infuse your anger with the Word, with forgiveness, and with God’s love.  It’s powerful evidence that you truly belong to Him.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!