Anger is a major attitude of our culture, and it is becoming more prevalent. We are a frustrated society, often made more frustrated by the media. We are frustrated with politics, economics, big corporations, governments, etc. Violence is the frequent choice of many to alleviate frustration and violent responses are becoming more prevalent.
Anger, however, is one of the risk factors for our spiritual hearts. Paul wrote, “All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” [Ephesians 4:31-32]
There are many types of anger, some are justified. But anger becomes sinful when it is motivated by pride or bitterness. Then it becomes unproductive and distorts God’s purposes.
The Christian is to avoid anger. We are to guard our hearts against anger-type responses to circumstances and difficulties. We are instead to be kind, compassionate and forgiving – always with the focus that God forgave us through the sacrifice of Christ.
And we must always keep in mind that we do not battle as the world battles. “For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” [Ephesians 6:12 HCSB]
And that battle is won on our knees!
