Anger

"In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26, 27

Are you angry at someone or something? Anger is a powerful emotion. In the above scripture we are issued three warnings regarding anger. We are warned to: 

1) Not remain angry

2) Not sin in our anger

3) Not give the enemy access in our life through anger

All warning worth heeding.

Anger is a natural emotion...even God gets angry. We are not condemned because we become angry, however we are cautioned to not remain angry...even for a day. When we hold on to anger, we subtly move from the emotion of anger to the temptations that it brings. Thus the need for the warnings.

If we allow anger to remain in our lives, we unknowingly feed it. How do we feed it? By rehearsing the offense over and over in our mind. This keeps our emotions stirred up. 

Because anger is such a powerful and destructive emotion,  we can't  feed or allow it permanent resident in our lives. Treat your anger as an unwelcomed guest. Don't ignore it. Stop it at the front door and restrict access to any other room (area) of your house (life).

This word of caution goes to even those who are justified in their anger. The Bible states  that we are to be anger but sin not - which acknowledges that there are legitimate reasons to become angry. You are still warned to not sin and/or hold on to it though.

This week I encourage you to release anyone,  even yourself,  from the bondages of anger. If it requires seeking forgiveness for a past offense or giving forgiveness to someone who has offended you, do it. Don't allow your anger to go unchecked because it will contaminate your life and keep you imprisoned to the object of your anger...whether it is a person or a thing.  

Don't be angry...be encouraged!