Thursday October 31, 2013

Read: Ecclesiastes 7:7-9. James 1:19-20. Ephesians 4:26

Anger is probably the most destructive emotion that we can experience. In anger we blurt out things we don’t really mean. In anger we lash out and hurt those we love. In anger we might even hurt ourselves. Very few, if any, of us could say that we have never fallen victim to the ravage of anger.

While there is a righteous anger described in the Bible, again very few, if any, of us could declare that our anger has been righteous.  We may feel totally justified in the heat of the moment when we are blasting the other person but there’s a high chance that our anger has surfaced unrighteously because our goals or desires have been blocked. To say that my way is the best and most godly option or way forward is simply pride perhaps with a tinge of arrogance.

The Bible says that we should be quick to listen to people, even the very people that may anger us. We should be slow to open our mouths because often our own words fuel our anger. Even more so, we are told by God that we should be slow in becoming angry. Biblically speaking we are in control of our emotions. Our emotions do not and should not control us.

When we do become angry we should deal with our anger before the sun sets. In other words, we are not to let anger burn within us. Anger left undealt with often snowballs and causes immense internal and external damage. Our minds fuel anger and distort the truth, often to the degree that reconciliation is impossible. Dealing biblically with anger quickly is always the best possible solution.

Just think for a moment. What’s your normal reaction when anger knocks on the door of your heart? Do you swear and curse? Do you lash out? Do you lash out and blame everyone else for making you angry? Do you throw things or hit things? Do you hit the bottle and drown out your anger? Do you physically lash out and hit those who anger you? Do you hide away and hurt yourself? These are NOT godly ways to deal with anger. Each one of these is sinful and needs to be repented of.

You have a choice in anger. When you swear or lash out or hit the bottle or hit others or hurt yourself, you are making a choice, albeit a sinful choice. You can choose not to get angry. You can choose not to vent your anger on others or yourself. You can deal with anger in a constructive and godly way.  In Christ, you are no longer a slave to anger.

Prayer: Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

Adoration:

Confession:

Thanks:

Supplication:

ª Pray for those who lead your Sonday services. Pray that God would give them wisdom in planning and insight into the awesome, holy character of God. Pray that they would have a great ability to communicate and share that vision with the congregation. Pray that the musicians and singers will catch the glory of God and worship Him as they serve the congregation.

ª Pray for the families in your church, both young and old. Pray that parents would be wise in the way that they raise and lead their children. Pray that husbands would be loving, gracious and kind to their wives and that they would lead their homes well. Pray that wives would be respectful and loving to their husbands and that they might grow in their love for Christ and their service to their family.

My Additional Prayer Points

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 Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. Randolph confesses to you that all this talk about the world makes him angry. How do you think he should deal with his anger?

2. What are some constructive and godly ways he could deal with his anger?

3. What are some sinful ways he could deal with his anger?