Anger is a form of bondage. God is the business of delivering people from bondage; every kind. His love compels Him to do so. Our part is cooperating with His way. At some point, we must deal with the issue of forgiveness. Typically there is a root of bitterness stemming from somebody who caused pain of heart. Who are you still angry with? Why?
God rescues us from our bondage, redeems us from the pain and restores us to peace inside. In Christ the LORD we have greater grace! Nothing is impossible with God!
RELEVANCE
Jesus spoke of many ways God promises to bless us. One way relevant to anger is part of the Beatitudes. We truly take our place as a child of God forgiving and becoming peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14 NLT).
Even at the point of death on the cross, Jesus forgave all His persecutors. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). Receive the LORD’s heart of forgiveness. Set those holding you captive to anger free from your judgment. Release them to the LORD. You will be free in the LORD!
REFLECT AND RELATE
How can you follow the example of Jesus?
How can you relate to Jesus being nailed to a cross?
What might be preventing you from receiving the LORD’s love and freedom?
REFERENCES
Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37-38; Luke 17:3; 1John 1:9