People argue. Arguments come in all different sizes, some
are calm, while others are anything but with harsh words and maybe even
physical violence. Is it possible for people to disagree and not to become
angry? Is it possible that being angry is okay?
In the Old
Testament there are many representations of God’s anger. He becomes upset when
people build idols. This is explained as a jealous anger. He is also mad with
Uzzah when he touches the Arc of the Covenant. Of course God also flooded the
earth to rid it of all unrighteousness. He also destroyed Soddom and Gomorrah.
In the New Testament Jesus becomes angry with the Pharisees due to their
stubborn hearts. They were upset with Jesus due to his healing on the Sabbath.
Jesus also became mad when people were misusing the temple. Many people would
call this righteous anger.
I think
there are times in this world that when it is okay to become angry. Watching
the news or having a friend that has gone through an abusive relationship,
racism, pornography, bullying or sex trafficking. I think these same things
still cause God to become angry today.
There is a lot wrong with the world
and it should cause us to be upset. But how do we handle anger in the everyday.
We cannot become angry about everything. This is no way to go through life. The
end result is loneliness as anger can drive a wedge in our relationships. The
bible address anger quite a bit. Look at some of these verses.
Proverbs 12:6- Fools quickly
show they are upset but the wise ignore insults.
Romans 12:19- My friends do not
punish others when they wrong you.
Ephesians 4:26 "When you
are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the
day"
James
1:19-20 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be
quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the
righteousness that God desires
1
Timothy 2:8 Therefore I want the men
everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
These verses can give us some very
applicable ways to deal with anger.
- Get over it quickly, do not dwell on it, and stop being angry before the end of the day. This can cause you to have a restless night and not sleep very well. Do not hold grudges. It will affect you more than the person you are angry with.
- Listen well. Most of our anger is because we do not fully understand. Let others talk to hear how they feel. This will allow the person you are communicating with you respect and care what they have to say.
- Be quiet. Allow what you hear to sink in, think about it, you don’t have to settle the conversation that day. Come back and revisit what you are thinking. When we react to what people have to say we are usually responding out of pride. When we take time to think, it allows the truth to sink in.
- Slow to become angry- What are the things that anger you? If you get angry about everything, you go from a person who becomes angry to an angry person. No one wants to be defined as that
John the Baptist lived out all of
this. When approached one day by his disciples in John 3 they had just been
arguing. They were upset about some things one of them being that Jesus and his
disciples were baptizing and people were going to them. This means less people
were coming to John and his disciples. They were making it about them. I like
how John responds. He tells them about the Bridegroom and how he should be the
center of attention on the big day. John goes as far to say that he is more of
a best man. His actions are to make this day special for the groom. John adds,
“He must become greater, I must become less.”
How amazing would it be if we all
had this attitude with Jesus and our neighbor? It would definitely keep a lot
of arguments from ever happening.
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