Angry?

Angry?

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Ephesians 4:26 KJV

What can you do? It appears that today's extract allows you to be angry. There are things in the world that may cause you to show emotions. Man's inhumanity to man is a case in point. Sin has made us godless; we do not seem to care how people feel about what we do or how and why we do them. Our hearts seem to have become hardened. Yes, we could get angry at what we see or what people do, but this is just the first part of the extract under consideration.

What can't you do? The other half says that while you do have a right to be angry, you MUST NOT sin. We conveniently claim 'holy anger' when the narrative suits us, but we forget where we are warned not to let anger lead us to sin. Our emotions are ruffled, and sometimes because of pride, we justify our reaction. Let us be quickly reminded of what James 1:20 says: for human anger is never a legitimate tool to promote God’s righteous purpose. It is clear that as long as my reaction is not directed by God, it can never work to God's purpose.

How long should it last? I am also warned that even where I am able to justify the reaction, and I believe I was right, there is a time limit on how long I should hold on to the emotions. Haven't you seen where 2 people quarrel, and after some period of malice, none of the parties can really tell you what the root cause of the offence was. The devil is crafty; all he needs is a good reason to come in. He doesn't need any further reason to stay put and destroy a life from within. In fact, the next verse after today's extract warns: for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Now that you know, you must guard against any opening in your life for the devil to operate.

Who can help you? Of course, God will not ask you to do anything He has not supplied strength for you to do. If He commands it, grace is available to help me align. If I don't trust Him, how would I see Him at work in and through me? If He's not in charge, how can I call on His power to help; a power that my life doesn't recognize or accept? Help is available; grace is sufficient. All I need do is surrender and ask for His help. His time of favour is here.