Scripture:

Ephesians 4:26-27, “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. 31-32: Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

 Context:

Anger may well be the most passionate emotion, for it has the power to fuel hatred and smother love. Anger is not necessarily wrong; even God gets angry. But good and bad anger are quite different. What defines good anger from bad anger are the objects of our anger, our motives for anger, and the outcome of our anger. Anger that is self-righteous and projects our pride is self-centered and dangerous. If allowed to continue unchecked, it will consume us, lead to bitterness and hatred. It will obliterate our compassion and our inclination to forgive. On the other hand, God’s anger is directed against sin and unrighteousness—things that bring suffering to people he loves. God’s anger becomes a consuming fire, but his focus is to eradicate the sin, not to destroy the sinner. Our anger usually has the opposite effect, spreading sin and consuming others and even ourselves. God’s anger burns against evil and becomes a cleansing fire that burns away sinfulness and allows the gold to emerge, making us fit for the Master’s use.

Personal Story:

I have many examples of anger in my life but the one that burned the deepest was after my divorce. I let my anger turn me from God and my Lord Jesus for nearly 2 years. I was angry at God for allowing this bad thing to happen. In my own pride, I thought I was truly doing my best to serve Him. Satan used my pride and anger to drive me away from God but Satan did not realize that even though I abandoned God, God never abandoned me. He was there beside me in my drinking, my carousing, my anger!! He never left and through some very important outside influences and very wonderful people it became clear that even though I was angry at God and others, He still loved me and through these wonderful people the Holy Spirit led me back to God and strengthened my walk. God brought a loving very Christian woman into my life - my wife today - so anger can be defeated. I still get angry but not at God. I am still a work in progress. 

- Gary Herrington

 Application:

So, learning to bring our emotions under the Holy Spirit’s control is part of the process of maturing spiritually. Anger can either be an emotional response that can be managed for productive results or a volatile reaction that can hurt and destroy. It must be dealt with quickly before it turns into bitterness, hatred, or revenge. We must train ourselves to examine our hearts whenever we become angry. Then we will be able to determine who is really offended in the situation. Is this about God’s honor or our pride? Are we acting with humility or in revenge? Confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation must happen within us before our anger can melt away.