ANGER
Today’s devo comes from Rivers Crossings Church. It is great teaching that will benefit all who apply the truths of God’s Word.
So, what should we do with our anger?
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
We must bring it to God.
The Bible tells us that when you declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, He will make you new. Your old life is gone, your sins have been forgiven, and you are living as a new person!
Does this mean you’ll magically stop sinning? Unfortunately, no. God has given each of us free will. It’s up to us to stop living like the world, and to allow God to change our hearts and minds. Becoming like Christ is a lifelong journey, but it’s not meant to be walked alone!
When your heart is filled by the Holy Spirit, you’ll naturally become more loving, peacemaking, patient, and self-controlled. If you don’t see those fruits in your life, ask the Holy Spirit to grow them in you!
Next time anger strikes, bring it to God in prayer. If the anger is obviously rooted in sin, confess it to God and ask Him for self-control. If you’re not sure whether your sin is righteous or not, ask God for discernment. You might ask yourself, “Am I angry on behalf of my selfish desires or God’s righteous desires?”
If you’ve identified a pattern of anger in your heart, there might be something deeper that you need to pull up by the root. The only lasting solution to this kind of deep-seeded anger is to truly humble yourself and ask God to examine your heart. Maybe you’ve been holding on to an offense or prejudice. It’s possible that you have been wronged in a way that can only be healed through an intentional choice to forgive—always through the power of the Holy Spirit and sometimes supported by Christ-centered counseling.
When you identify the source of your anger and do the hard work of healing, you’ll discover a peace that you didn’t know was possible.
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”
Colossians 3:8-10 NLT
Pray:
God, I need you. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me to grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Purify my heart, and help me to uncover the root of my anger. Amen.
Make it Triumphant Tuesday! God is good…