Anger
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading for the day: Galatians 5:14-21
Scripture Quote: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
When we allow anger to control our thoughts and actions, we are no longer under the guidance of God's Spirit. This sinful state of being leads people into all kinds of trouble. We conveniently forget God's commandment about expressing ourselves in love through Christ Jesus. We rail with self-righteous indignation and feed our sinful, animal passions. So commanding is this fleshly nature that we lose sight of anything good. Anger diminishes us until we lose our better selves in it's ranting rage. So, in place of a worshipful, grateful heart, we surrender to behavior and attitudes that are not pleasing to God.
Obviously, we need to repent of this sin and find a better way to relate to others. Avoiding anger can be achieved by proceeding slowly and by deliberately not reacting hastily. James, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, told a group of believers long ago that everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Because anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires for us, we must be careful to lean on His Holy Spirit for help.
Today’s meditation: A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
Memory Verse: “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” Colossians 3:8 (NIV)