““In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” — Ephesians 4:26 NIV
Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure towards someone or something. It’s a trait God has placed in each person on this earth for our good. However, some misuse it, resulting in committing mistakes such as gushing out harsh words to people and physical abuse only to regret it later on. Before you can effectively learn how to control your anger, you must know God’s purpose for putting anger as a trait in you.
There are two reasons why God placed anger in humans.
- To hate evil or wrong actions (behaviours contrary to God’s Word):
When Jesus got angry at the merchants in front of the Jewish temple, He sacked them away for using God’s house for merchandise. In essence, Jesus’ anger manifested directly to hate evil actions (not people). - To help us relate well with different kinds of people:
If all people were the same, we wouldn’t have problems relating to them. But we live in a society whereby there’s constant committing of offences and other inappropriate actions that trigger anger in us. When we get angry in such situations, we learn from other people’s attitudes and how to solve such issues by giving them soft answers (Proverbs 15:1).
Anger isn’t evil. It’s what you do after getting angry that will make you sin or not. Choose forgiveness rather than resentment. Choose to give soft answers to angry people rather than proving yourself right at all times. As a child of God, you’re a peacemaker. You don’t always need to be right to ensure you live in peace with everybody. Instead of being led by your emotions, be led by the Spirit to keep your mouth shut when angered to guard you against doing something wrong.
You’re a blessing.
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 086
Also Read: How To Control Yourself When Angry