Day 14 | The Nature of Anger

"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."

Anger, at its core, isn't inherently sinful. Even God expresses anger in the Bible, and Jesus demonstrated righteous anger during His earthly ministry. Anger can serve as a signal, highlighting injustices or wrongs that need addressing. It's a natural human emotion that acknowledges when something isn't right in our world.

However, there's a fine line between righteous anger and destructive wrath. While anger itself isn't sin, it can quickly lead us into sin if we're very careful. The challenge lies in recognizing valid anger without letting it control our actions or lead us to sin.

In our passage, Paul acknowledges that we will feel anger, but he cautions us not to let it linger or give the devil a foothold. This suggests that prolonged, unresolved anger can be spiritually dangerous.

When we begin to follow Christ, we're called to be aware of our anger, to process it in healthy ways, and to resolve conflicts quickly. We shouldn't ignore or suppress our anger, but neither should we let it dictate our actions.

Remember, feeling angry isn't wrong, but what we do with that anger matters greatly. God calls us to manage our anger in ways that honor Him and maintain our relationships with others.

Ask Yourself

When was the last time I felt angry? Was my response to that anger godly?

Are there any unresolved anger issues in my life that I need to address?

How can I better distinguish between righteous anger and sinful wrath in my life?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of emotions, I think you that you are a God of Justice, and that you care even more than I do about injustice. Help me to recognize when my anger is justified and when it's leading me toward sin. Give me the wisdom to process my anger in healthy ways and the strength to resolve conflicts quickly. May my responses to anger always honor You. In Jesus' name, Amen.