Anger starts with frustration. Things don’t go the way we like. We don’t get what we want or expect. Our pride gets shattered. We want to be socially acceptable, so too often we mask our true feelings.
Some respond to anger by getting vengeful towards others; yet some people seek to simply reward themselves to find happiness. Some focus their attention on relieving themselves from pain of heart; while others get busy or involved in various activities.
No matter how we express ourselves outwardly, anger takes a toll internally. It eats at our soul, distorts our perception and clouds our mind. It strains our relationship with God, and will separate us from the presence of God, for God dwells in peaceful habitations.
Anger also festers. It can also lead to all kinds of perversity, corruption, recklessness and bondage. That’s why the Scripture says so much about anger, and advises us against harboring anger, and seeking a remedy. Here’s one snippet from the Psalms.
“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret — it only causes harm” (Psalm 37:8).
RELEVANCE
The writer of Hebrews related how anger’s roots come from bitterness that got planted some time earlier in life. He therefore shared the value of “looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled…” (Hebrews 12:15-16).
In encouraging people in their faith, the apostle, Paul, gave the following exhortation:
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:30-32).
Jesus has in fact forgiven you and the Holy Spirit has given you the capacity to receive the LORD’s cleansing from anger. It takes realizing this truth, confessing it before God, and asking for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment! God gives grace to overcome as we seek Him to truly change.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Where did the root of bitterness first get planted?
How were you hurt?
What situations has caused anger to build up?
REFERENCES
Proverbs 19:11