September 19, 2021
“Why are you so angry?” the LORD asked him. “Why do you look so dejected?”
Genesis 4:6. (NLT)
“Don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.”
Ephesians 4:26. (NLT)
The Word of God is replete in helping us understand the importance of being slow to Anger!
Being slow to anger is one of the most valuable lessons we can learn in this Christian life. Proverbs 15:18 says, “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” (ESV) Anger is a passion and in itself is not bad; it is not wrong in the right context! For God himself gets angry, however, God’s anger is directed against sin and unrighteousness. He blazes hot against evil. His anger, like ours, becomes a consuming fire, but its focus is to eradicate the sin, not destroy the sinner.
One of the attributes of God is slowness to anger. Psalm 145:8 says, “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” Of all emotions, anger may well be the most passionate, for it has the power to fuel hatred and smother love! It could be labeled as “The Acid of Anger!” Proverbs 15:18 tells us that a hot-tempered man is literally “a man of wrath.” Such a man is quick-tempered or easily enraged. But the man who is calm and slow to anger is one who averts arguments and stops quarreling. The ability to quiet contention and live in harmony with others is a priceless virtue. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
So, What is the Object of One’s Anger?
What is the motive and outcome for one’s Anger? ️ANGER that is Self-Righteous, and protects one’s Pride! It is Self-Centered ~ Attacks or Demands its own Way and can be DANGEROUS! If allowed to continue unchecked, it consumes you and in its strongest form can lead to MURDER!
The 13th Chapter of 1 Corinthians talks about Love and how it related to Anger! It offers tremendous perspective regarding the true nature of Christian Love. It is an attribute of God and one of His gifts to us, and what a Gift? ️However, verse 5 of I Corinthians is simply intriguing. What does it mean that love is not easily angered? If love is not easily angered, what about a person who has a “short fuse,” who easily becomes angry, and not displaying or showing any love.
1 Corinthians chapter 13 says that love is “patient” which includes the ability to tolerate weaknesses in others without readily expressing anger. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
1 Peter 4:8 says that love covers over a multitude of sins” and Love doesn’t fly off the handle at every vexation.
SOME OF THE REASONS WHY MANY USUALLY
GET ANGRY?
~ When they become jealous of what others have or have done. 1 Kings 22:15-27
~ When their pride is hurt. Numbers 22:29
~ When someone else is acknowledged over them. Genesis 4:3-7
~ When they don’t get their way. 2 Chronicles 26:16-21
RX: A CALM & LOVING 
HEART️ It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5
~ Avoid speaking your mind when you are angry. You are bound to say something you will regret.
~ Avoid acting on impulse in the heat of anger. Anger produces ungodliness and evil motives in us you are bound to do something you will regret.
FATHER GOD: Thank You for helping us to understand what Your Word says about Love in relation to Anger! Help us to remember that it is a waste of energy, motivated by selfishness and ambition creating division among brothers and sisters in Christ, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!
Please share how you have dealt with any issues of ANGER!