In your anger do not sin! Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.— Ephesians 4:26–27
The headlines are all too common:
“Angry parent charges onto field, attacks Little League coach.”
“Road rage causes fatal accident.”
“Jealous mom plans hit on daughter’s rival.”
Anger is everywhere and it doesn’t take long to notice its destructive results. A friend once said to me, “Anger floats on a sea of fear,” and the more I think about it, the more I agree. Anger is an emotion common to all people regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or age. It begins on the playground and can continue to the grave. When anger takes hold of someone, it acts like a deadly poison, slowly seeping into every part of that person’s life; and, if left unchecked, will ultimately affect every relationship that person has.
Fortunately, Scripture offers a prescription for dealing with anger. Ephesians 4:31-32 reads, “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.” Sometimes this is easier said than done. In some cases, your anger may be justified. The pain you experienced at the hand of another may have been great. However, the greatest gift you can ever give someone is the gift of forgiveness. When you release your anger, the power of God is released to begin the healing process.
A seminary professor once stated that when you forgive someone you set a prisoner free…only to find out that the prisoner was you.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Examine your own life. In what areas do you hold onto anger? What are its results?
2. Today, you may need to offer someone forgiveness, or even seek forgiveness for your own anger. Don’t delay. You can experience the healing power of forgiveness today.
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 5:23–24; Matthew 18:15-1; Hebrews 12:14