So tell me, what’s been getting on your last nerve lately? What is it that's been driving you crazy? Annoyed by someone’s mannerisms? Upset because things aren't going your way? Exasperated by societal upheaval, the Covid-19 lockdown or the absurdity of this political “silly season?” With all of the irritating circumstances and frustrating conditions we are subjected to on a daily basis, it should be no surprise that we can sometimes feel a great sense of anger as a result of what we are going through or what is being done to us. And what usually happens is that we get so absorbed with the situation itself that we don’t think about what sometimes is both the cause and the result. That is, our anger itself. Unfortunately this can be such a sensitive subject, too often we have to tiptoe around it therefore it rarely gets discussed. So I’m going to confront the issue head-on and ask the following questions: Is there anyone among us that has never been angry? Are you angry all the time? Do you have a problem with anger? Are you feeling guilty because you think that you are not supposed to be angry but still experience it? Have you conjured up excuses to justify your anger? Are we, as Christians, allowed to be angry or not? Do you even care? It is with absolute certainty that we’ve all had to deal with this emotion at one time or another, and usually multiple times throughout the day. This is a fact of life here on this earth that our God has created. Unfortunately, we as humans have a tendency to mess up what God has put in perfect order. On one hand some believe that anger is something that can’t be controlled at all and on the other hand some believe it automatically renders you unfit for salvation. Is either position practical? Or, more importantly, is either position biblical? There’s only one way to find out and that’s by going to the Word of God. The enemy wants us to be deceived and confused but we are going to expose his lies and reveal the truth about anger management. So grab a caramel frappuccino or an iced white chocolate mocha and let's discuss it.
1 Thessalonians 5: 14 urges us to warn, comfort and support those who need it: “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak...” It also pleads with us to “…be patient toward all men.” When translated from Greek to English the word “patient” means “to exhibit internal and external control in a difficult circumstance...” You could also say that patience is a byproduct of self-control.
Another term in the Bible that is defined as self-control is the word “temperance” and it is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5: 22- 23) And yes dear ones, walking in decency, integrity, humility and under the control of the Spirit is where we want to find ourselves. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5: 16) There is another scripture that tells us why this self-control is so important and explains it beautifully … ”He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." (Proverbs 16: 32)
Words that describe a lack of self-control are anger, ire, rage, indignation and wrath. If you’ll notice, anger and wrath are both on this list. So one might ask, is there any difference between the two? Webster’s Dictionary provides synonyms for the word anger which are “fury, indignation, ire, rage and wrath." The same dictionary lists synonyms for the word wrath as “fury, indignation, ire, rage and anger.” Looks like anger and wrath are not too far from one another. You might even think that there is no difference between them at all however, there is a huge difference. Its application and definition is based upon the context in which it is being used. Anger, in its most basic form is strong displeasure with no emotional attachment. Wrath is strong, vengeful, uncontrolled anger.
Now why are these distinctions important? Galatians 5: 19-21 describes the works of the flesh, and wrath is one of them. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” This is extremely important and 1 Corinthians 15: 50 reiterates the horrible consequences of these conditions: “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God…”
This is a devastating outcome so we must get this right! The vengeful anger produced by wrath causes us to either think about or actually inflict punishment, harm or damage on others in retaliation for an injury or offense. We are strictly prohibited by scripture from unleashing this type of hateful retribution: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written VENGEANCE IS MINE; I WILL REPAY, saith the Lord. THEREFORE IF THINE ENEMY HUNGER, FEED HIM; IF HE THIRST; GIVE HIM DRINK: FOR IN SO DOING THOU SHALT HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12: 19 to 21) Our response to injury or offense should be as stated in Proverbs 15: 1 – “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” So as you can see brethren, we don’t want to be anywhere near wrath because it is so insidious that it can manifest itself in a manner as aggressive as a physical assault or as subtle as a bad attitude.
Be that as it may, anger and wrath are still closely related to one another, sometimes making distinction difficult. And since wrath is the next step from anger, we need to be extremely cautious about allowing ourselves to be angry, to stay angry or letting anger hang around because you can easily slip into wrath. And though anger may not be a sin in and of itself, for us as humans, when we indulge anger instead of controlling it, we are literally flirting with death. In Ecclesiastes 7: 9 King Solomon warns us, “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools." He agrees with himself as he writes in Proverbs 14: 17, “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly.” And the instructions concerning anger just keep coming as in Proverbs 25: 28, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” At the end of the day it’s all about self-control. That is, utilizing the power of self-control (temperance) that God has given us through His Spirit.
Okay, so Mark 3: 5 says that even Jesus was angry. Yes it does, but it does not say that He was enraged, furious, rabid, frantic or out of control. Instead it says that He was “grieved for the hardness of their heart.” And then He healed a man with a withered hand. Does that sound like rage? Remember, it’s all about context. Here is what that passage of scripture actually says: “And He entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched Him, whether He would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse Him. And He saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And He saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when He had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.” (Mark 3: 1-6)
When you read the whole scripture, it puts it into context. It makes it plain that the righteous displeasure of Jesus was not the same thing in word or deed as the murderous intentions of the religious hypocrites. When Saint Luke wrote about this same incident he recorded the wrathful response of the scribes and Pharisees at the conclusion of the miraculous healing in the synagogue as follows; “And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.” (Luke 6:11) The word madness is translated as “fury or senselessness.” And what was it that drove these mean-spirited individuals insane? The kind, compassionate, merciful, gracious and loving act of healing that Jesus did for this poor man. So don’t be surprised when the same thing happens to you. And again, though there was displeasure from both Jesus and the vicious imposters, there is no doubt about who was justified. The thoughts and the actions say it all ..... self-control or out of control? Jesus had every right to be displeased and grieved with the hating hearts of those who were seeking to do Him harm and deceive the people. Ironically, these were some of the very ones His Father had sent Him to suffer and die for on the cross that even they might have a chance to be saved.
Some may ask, what about when Jesus drove the oxen, sheep doves, those that sold them and the moneychangers from the temple? Didn’t He react wrathfully? Uh, let me think …... NO! HE DID NOT. That may have been how someone else would have reacted, but this is Jesus we talkin’ ‘bout! The Man who Hebrews 4: 15 says “…was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Therefore we are absolutely certain there was no sinful wrath in His response. He actually did what Eli should have done but didn't do when his sons were defiling the temple in the Old Testament. Jesus recognized and honored the fact that this was His Father's house and He cleaned it up! And if we are the children of God we are no different. “ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Corinthians 3: 16-17) Jesus did exactly what we should do with our own temples, which belong to God, by taking the appropriate action to eliminate anything that is not Christ-like. “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (1 Corinthians 6: 19-20) By any means necessary do not defile yourself or allow yourself to be defiled. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled…” (Hebrews 12: 14 -15)
(For the story of Eli and his sons see 1 Samuel 1: 3, 1 Samuel 2: 12-17 & 22-24, 1 Samuel 3: 11-13 and 1 Samuel 4: 11-22)
Ephesians 4: 26 – “Be ye angry, and sin not…” In other words, it’s okay to be displeased or disagree with something, just don’t let your anger get nasty and progress any further than displeasure or disagreement. That same scripture concludes by saying “let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” The first action towards the finishing of any race is the first step. So technically speaking, as soon as the sun rises over the horizon in the morning it immediately begins its journey towards setting in the opposite horizon that evening. It is now in the process of going down or away. So when we talk about not letting the sun go down on your wrath, that is not to say that you can purposefully lounge around in that filth all day and then wait until the final minute to try and clean up your act. You see, the problem starts with anger but ends up in wrath. Somewhere along the path between the beginning (rising of the sun in anger) and the end (setting of the sun in wrath), a horrible mutation takes place. And since the end result is death, it is imperative that we abort the process As Soon As Possible. Instead of wasting time stewing in anger, what we should be doing between the rising and setting of the sun is this, “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.” (Psalm 113: 3) I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s a little difficult to praise, honor and glorify God when you’re mad. Colossians 3: 8 explicitly tells us how we are to deal with this issue. “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” These words written by the Apostle Paul were urging the saints at Colossae to rid themselves completely of these things because they are “old man” actions and we need to act like the new creatures in Christ, which we are. Proverbs 27: 4 states, “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous…” The Hebrew word for outrageous is “setep” which means flood or torrents of rain. We all know and can feel when anger comes upon us, starting off as a harmless stream but then rising like a raging river overflowing its banks. This is why the sun shouldn’t be going down or proceeding any further on our anger. It’s the anger that should be going down and ceasing as we immediately do everything we can to reverse this intensifying, venomous tide of irritation before it eventually and inevitably destroys everything in its path. Therefore we must endeavor to obey the instructions contained in Psalm 37:8 which directs us to “Cease from anger and forsake wrath. Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” When you start down Anger Avenue, STOP, so that you will not end up on Wrath Road. Once again, anger in and of itself is not a sin. It is a human emotion that is part of us all, but don’t think for one second that you are a slave to it. It’s just like any other part of your humanity that should be under the direction and influence of God’s Holy Spirit. If controlled properly and managed correctly you can actually use it when it happens to help you focus on your journey down the highway of holiness that we travel. Don't beat each other down, but take advantage of this golden opportunity to beat your flesh down and then leave it lying face down in the dirt eating your dust as you march down the road to redemption. In other words, as strange as it sounds and may seem, let it lead you to love. Again I say, let it lead you to love.
As God’s built-in barometer for banning bad behavior, anger is a call to action, an alarm bell, a caution flag, a flashing red light that you are approaching the alley to annihilation. And only the unwise would ignore this hazard sign. The book of wisdom speaks of heeding caution and discerning trouble ahead by stating, “A prudent (wise) man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple (naïve, easily deceived, foolish) pass on, and are punished.” (Proverbs 27: 12) If you are not able to see where your road is leading you to, you are in big trouble. So if you haven’t figured it out by now, it is very plain that getting angry is a distinct warning, and staying angry is downright dangerous. Make sure you remain on the path of peace. “…seek peace, and pursue it.” (Psalm 34: 14) Finally, Proverbs 22: 24 & 25 even warns us about our relationship with angry people - “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” Instead of learning an angry man’s ways, we should instead learn the ways of the Lord our God as stated in Joel 2: 12 & 13, “…He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness” and Psalm 86: 15, “But Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” It is infinitely better to learn of and be taught by Christ Who says “Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 29-30)
It is always worth any effort you expend to consistently represent Christ as His ambassador in a manner that always brings Him glory. Any discomfort you experience when you mortify your flesh pales in comparison to the peace that surpasses all understanding that you will receive both now and in the world to come according to the promises of God. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8: 18) And so, Brothers and Sisters, have faith that you have been given the power to control any and all emotional fits of carnality that may want to express themselves through you in an inappropriate manner. This not only includes anger but other things such as depression, anxiety, jealousy, fear, holding grudges, lust, pride and such like. As Brother Paul said in Romans 7: 18, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing..." So don't let your flesh off the hook. Colossians 3, verse 8 tells us the things we need to “put off”, but verses 12-17 also tells us the things we need to “put on.” “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."
We therefore pray to God our Father through Jesus His Son for each one of you and humbly ask the following "…That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: in Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins…” (Colossians 1: 10-14)
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