Anger, Righteous vs Fleshly, Part 2

 Fleshly anger 

Hey folks, last time we discussed the fact that Jesus got angry. We know that God got angry and they both still do from time to time, yet we are told things like this.

"But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire." Matthew 5:22

We are told anger is a destructive force that can lead to all kinds of things. Self-harm, destruction of families, up to and even including murder. Statements like this, "Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering" Yoda from Star Wars, is proven to be true. So what is anger?

an·ger

noun
1 a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility:

verb
1. fill (someone) with anger; provoke anger in:

So if we spent the whole time last time talking about the times that Jesus Himself got angry, then why would it be wrong, or unwise at the least, for us to get angry? Well, here is a major difference. Jesus is perfect. We are not. Jesus is God. We are not. Jesus got angry, but He never sinned.

Let's look at some of the warnings from God's word to us about anger.

"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. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." Ephesians 4:26-31

I know that is saying a lot. Let's unpack that a bit.

"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."

Did you wake up this morning thinking that you would punch the wall, yell at your loved ones, or curse out a complete stranger? No. Of course not. The problem with us giving into the flesh in the moment of our anger is that we allow our flesh to react. We think about it over and over. On our pillows, we play the what-if game. The devil can use this time to encourage our flesh to take the next step. It festers and grows in us. Sin starts in our minds, grows in the evilness of our hearts, and becomes manifested in various ways through the actions of our flesh.

"Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need."

A little bit of a side note here but yes. If you covet something someone has, it can lead to anger, and it can lead to stealing and even murder. Think King David, Bathsheba, and Uriah. 2 Samuel 11. Did you know this is one of the reasons you should be working? Not only to meet your needs but also that you "may have something to share with those in need."

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

What can gossip cause? Hurt, anger, and harm to others. Don't do it. Hate is always foolish, and love is always wise. Always try, to be nice, and never fail to be kind. Be encouraging. Build up do not tear down. The more positive you become, the less of an effect others will have on you.

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."

The word tells us that we should never tempt the Lord our God. We should not give Him a full-time job just fixing the stupid stuff we do and helping us out of the positions we put ourselves and others in. King Solomon warns us.

"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." Proverbs 29:11

Let's be honest here. What can you do? Someone abuses you. You attack them? You may go to jail. You may lose your job. Your Family will suffer. You try to sue them? You lose money and time. Others are hurt and affected. What can you do? Forgive them. Give them to God. Trust me. All you need to do is live on.

James tells us this

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20

Wrath, even if justified, is pointless. It does not produce anything positive. Also, think about this aspect. What does it do to your health? People get extremely sick holding onto long-lasting anger and hate. Scientific evidence suggests that holding onto anger, and or frequent angry outbursts, may increase the long-term risk of everything from heart attacks and strokes to poor and slow healing and a weakened immune system.

All that aside, remember this simple fact we just talked about recently. There is NOTHING you can do to those that use or abuse you that is even worthy to be compared to that of which God can do to them.

"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:31

This is why The word tells us this.

"Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:9

Do not ever forget what can happen when you allow yourself to get angry without cause or even without a good cause. You can give in to the flesh and strike out against those you love the most. I'm not talking about physical, although it can go that far with some people, just words can cut deeper than you can ever imagine. As much as you may regret, or even as much as they say they forgive you, you can never take back the things you say. Yell "stupid" enough? They will accept that as how you feel about them. Yell "I don't care." enough and they will believe you. Think about how you sound to others before you speak. It is far easier to control your tongue when you are calm and at peace than it is when you allow the anger to fester and grow inside you.

Breath. Pray. Meditate. Think about it. Practice something that can help you to stay calm. Memorize passages like this.

"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11

Or maybe something like Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I do know this. Without God, it is impossible to control your anger. A great first step, if you have not already done so, is to accept Jesus. Say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!