Anger

[snowyangel]

What makes you angry?

All sorts of things can trigger our anger. Sometimes the emotion is appropriate, when directed at crime, or at hypocrisy, evil and sin. But often - much more often than we probably care to admit - our anger is considerably less noble. When, for example, we rage at the car that cut us off in traffic… or at our pokey Internet connections… or at the coworker who doesn't seem to be pulling in the same direction as the rest of the team… or at the boss who just doesn't seem to understand.

Anger is a raw-boned and powerful emotion, and one that can inflict lasting hurt on each of us -- and on others -- if we don't control it. If our anger doesn't inspire us to seek the will of God, it's just wasted time and energy. Anger for its own sake won't produce any positive result: it won't fix the problem, and it won't bring us any closer to God, who tells us to throw away our anger and rage (Ephesians 4:31). What's more, the Bible tells us that petty anger is a sin that will fall under God's judgment (Matthew 5:22). When we grow angry and bitter and nurse a grudge against another person, we're sinning against that person and against God, no matter what that person may have done - or what we believe they may have done (Leviticus 19:17-8). Even righteous anger can be twisted and made harmful if it causes us to sin (Ephesians 4:26).

So the next time you're tempted to shake your fist or clench your teeth in anger at something or somebody, remember that God Himself is slow to anger (Psalm 86:15). Take a moment to consider why you're getting angry. If it's not pure and holy anger -- and those are tough standards to meet -- then it's a sin, and no good will come of it.Consider, instead, how you might use the opportunity to reflect the mind and the heart of Christ. Give yourself time to calm down. If someone has offended you, maybe you need to simply talk to them and explain the problem. You might even have to swallow your own pride and admit that you jumped to conclusions, were too quick to get angry, or said things that you shouldn't have. Instead of letting anger dictate your actions, submit your will to God. Let the spirit of Christ use you in a way that reflects His love and serves His kingdom.