Thought for the Day

In Proverbs, we find many profound truths, which when applied to our lives, will bring great victories. To experience anger is not a sin, since the Bible says that God Himself is angry about certain things. Anger is an emotion that we all experience. In fact, we should be angry when we see an injustice or the ill treatment of others.

The sin is not in experiencing anger, but in how we deal with it. We can turn our anger into prayer, which will change things. If we allow our anger to turn into vindictiveness, we become just as guilty as the one with whom we are angry. We are told in Scripture to overcome evil with good. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:18-21).

So, what should we do when we become angry? "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:26-27). First, we should be willing to prayerfully examine our own hearts: Why we are reacting with such anger? Is our anger justified, or are we merely suffering wounded pride? Are we partially to blame? If God brings conviction, we must repent. We must also forgive the other person, even if they will not change. We must be just as willing for the Lord to change us, as the one we are angry at. Unforgiveness is a deadly sin which hardens the heart, cuts us off from God, and brings torment (Matthew 18:34-35). Anger must be dealt with quickly so that it does not turn into a bitter root of unforgiveness. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" (Hebrews 12:14-15).

God commands us to love our enemies and to forgive those who have hurt us. This is impossible without God's grace. I cannot love my enemies and neither can you. We must call on God to do this impossible thing; He will enable us to do it. If we refuse, and harbor unforgiveness, we block God from forgiving us (Matthew 6:14-15).

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that we must cultivate, if we are to do any mighty works for God. Handling anger properly is part of "ruling our spirits;" and it is better to have this ability than to conquer a city. When a man can rule his own life through the power of the Holy Spirit, he is fit to rule a city.