Good Morning Friends
This morning we will begin with lesson 1 on 'The Hiding Places of Anger'. this morning's topic is 'The Bible and Anger". In order for us to get a foundational basis established for this topic, we first need to see how God looks at anger itself. Anger is a emotion just like all other emotions and they are God given. the goal is for us is to learn how to control those emotions so they don't get out of hand at times and hurt others in the process. So let's begin:
The Bible and Anger
When is anger righteous and when does it become sin?
The Definition of Anger: Anger is an emotional state that may range in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage. Anger has physical effects including raising the heart rate and blood pressure and the levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
The Definition of Unrighteous Anger: Anger is unrighteous when it is motivated by selfishness and self-protection. Righteous anger always looks out for the good of others, the protection of the innocent, and the glory of God.
Unrighteous Anger: Is Rooted in the sinful nature of man (the flesh) ….Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32
◘ Demands Revenge
◘ Is a sign that deeper issues are present
◘ Provokes anger in others
◘ Is Rooted in the sinful nature of man (the flesh) ….Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32
Now if anger is not always sinful, then what is it that makes anger either righteous or sinful? The answer lies in the cause of the anger. First, we must understand clearly that even if the cause of anger is righteous, it is still sin to respond to that strong emotion””anger””in a wrong way. For instance, I may be legitimately angry at something (righteous anger), but if I respond to that strong emotion of anger with yelling, insulting, and tearing down, I am in sin regardless of whether the anger itself was justified.
Anger is unrighteous when it is motivated by selfishness and self-protection. Righteous anger always looks out for the good of others, the protection of the innocent, and the glory of God.
Righteous Anger: Righteous anger is a reaction to wrong doing or sin. This definition of wrong doing or sin is based upon the Bible and not a subjective notion. The Bible must be our guide. This provides the framework which delimits the meaning of righteous anger.
◘ Is only directed at ‘sin’ never directed at the person.
◘ When expressed, only has ‘good’ in mind for the other person or situation. It never has intentions of bringing harm.
◘ Never has selfish motives in mind…And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Exodus 34:6-7
Some people have a wrong understanding of anger, believing that it is always wrong to be angry.
Righteous anger is justified and godly. It reflects a healthy spiritual walk with God where the Christian’s emotional make-up is likened to that of God’s. The closer he walks with God, the closer he is like God in all things including the demonstration of the emotion called righteous anger!
When is Anger expressed in a wrong way?
◘ When it is directed at people out of our own hurt and pain.
◘ When our anger is “out of control”
◘ When it brings harm to others, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
◘ When it is being used to demand “our own rights” and “to get our own way”.
How is Anger expressed in a right way?
◘ Don’t let it build up, keep short accounts with others. In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26
◘ Admit when you feel angry, try to settle it with those who have hurt you or wronged you in some way, then release your anger to God.
◘ Keep your words soft and non-threatening (this avoids confrontation) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Food for thought:
A man’s anger is [an] indicator of his priorities. Find out what highly displeases him, and you have exposed what he values. No one is displeased if something he values little is taken away or is threatened. But begin to rob a man of his treasures, and you will have a fight on your hands. It may be his control, his reputation, his possessions, his position, or his health. A man’s anger reveals what areas of life are most precious to him, and his anger exposes what he has not yet surrendered fully to God.
Blessings, see you next week with lesson 2