When My Heart Becomes Angry

When My Heart Becomes Angry                            November 14, 2021

“Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” (Ephesians 4:26-27)

I’m so glad it’s not sinful to be angry.  However, anger can lead to sin if I’m not careful.  You see, it’s not wrong to have anger as long as it doesn’t have you; doesn’t control your thoughts, words and actions more so than God.

Even though it isn’t wrong to be angry, it is dangerous to flirt with.  Anger is just one letter away from danger.  An angry person is so close to sinning and will likely do so unless they learn to control their angry thoughts.

One of the best ways to deal with anger is to do so as soon as possible.  Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.  Deal with it that very day.  Don’t let it fester inside.  Don’t dwell on what angered you and don’t go to bed thinking about it all night.  Uncontrolled anger has ruined many relationships, friendships and marriages.  Truthfully, harboring anger is one of the worse things we can ever do.  It is so destructive.

The real reason we have to nip our anger in the bud is to nullify any opportunity for the devil to use us.  He’s successful in using us when he deceives us into thinking we’re justified in continually being angry.   In reality, he’s using us to bring about his wicked schemes and we can’t see it for the anger in our hearts. 

So, be angry, but let that be it.  Go play tennis and smack the ball for a couple of hours until you’re tired or better yet, pray to God about what’s troubling you and may He give you peace and soothe your anger.  If someone has angered you, confronting them, in love, about the situation can also bring about healing. 

When angered, be like Jesus and allow others to see Christ at work in your life.

Brian Thompson