Message topic: Anger, how do I control it?
Scripture: James 1:14-23
I hope that you like I am, is thinking that this topic for sharing today as a question to all of us, and we should know if we do have anger and if we are in control of it.
First we must have an understanding of what is anger, and since we are children of our Heavenly Father, what has He told us about dealing with anger.
We know that anger is broadly applicable to feeling of resentful displeasure; indignation implies righteous anger aroused by what seems unjust means, or insulting rage suggest a violent outburst of anger in which self-control is lost; fury implies a frenzied rage that borders on madness; ire, chiefly a literary word, suggests a show of great anger in actions, words, looks, wrath, which implies deep indignation expressing itself in a desire to punish or get revenge.
Now that we have a better idea of what anger really is, how much anger do you possess? Is it under control by ourselves, our heavenly Father or the deceiving one?
God always provides for His children both physically and spiritually, so we do know that He has provided ways that we can keep our anger under control so that the evil-one does not use us as channels through which he can attack our like minded brethren, or those with whom we have to deal with daily or from time to time.
What are some of the things that causes you to show that you are angry, sometimes not just angry, but really angry by the words you use and the actions you take? And how long does your angry stays around?
Now, let’s take a look at some of the scriptural advices our heavenly Father have for us when we get angry for one reason or the other: this is not if, but when, because this is one of the main tools that the adversary uses to distract God’s children in their daily walk with him.
He says this to us in James 1:19-20: wherefore my beloved brethren, let everyman be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Ephesians 4: 26-27 reminds us to be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil.
I mentioned earlier that our heavenly Father because of His love for his children, has always provide well for his children, so there are a number of scriptures that I have to shear with you about being aware of the many ways the evil one has planted the seeds of anger in our daily walk, so listen to what He is saying to us in James 1: 19-20.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Now lets listen to Ephesians 4: 26-27: be angry and sin not; and do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Proverbs 15: 1: says a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. A person’s wisdom yields patience, it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 22: 24-25 says, do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself into a snare. How many hot-tempered persons are among your friends?
Over in Matthew 5:22 we hear our Father saying to us, but I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or a sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or a sister Raca, is answerable to the court, and anyone who says, you fool! Will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Ephesians 4: 31-32 has these words for us: 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.
We find these words in Proverbs 14:17: a quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devise evil schemes is hated.
We are in Psalm 38: 8 which told to refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil. I believe that someone wants to ask the question, can we ever get angry at anytime and for anything? The answer is yes, and this is one of the examples given to us in Matthew 21: 12-13.
Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seat of them that sold doves: their actions were not pleasing to God. (what about us today? Comment)
Should we keep silent when we see abuse of the elderly, the week and those who are pounced upon because of their frailty and lack of understanding? we must be wise in doing that which pleases God.
When we surrenders our will to God our heavenly Father by following the acts and teachings of Jesus, we will always be under His guidance and provisions, both in our needs physically and spiritually and will not withhold any of our needs, especially protection against the evil one whose desire is to distract us from staying in Constance touch with God our father.
We can trust His guide at all times, as He is true and sure in all things and at all times and well able to keep us from living with anger.