I have been thinking a lot about the things that are risk factors for our spiritual hearts. Hardening of our hearts, that I wrote about yesterday, is certainly one. Another is anger. Anger acts like a poison on both our physical hearts and our spiritual hearts.
In my concordance there were 259 references to anger. Ephesians 4:31-32 commands us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Then goes on and tells us we need to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave [us].” [HCSB]
James tells us that we must be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger,” and explains why, “for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.” [1:19-20 HCSB]
We are an increasingly angry culture. Anger makes us want to lash out and hurt others. Every day there are newscasts informing us of someone (or some group) becoming angry and striking out at the focus of their anger with words or even weapons.
Anger is a danger and has no place in the life of a Christian. (Yes, I understand there is a righteous anger, but we must admit, most of us do not “suffer” from that.)
Unrighteous anger will damage our spiritual hearts. It certainly will not accomplish God’s purpose. It will, in fact, undermine God’s purposes in our lives and in the lives of others.
