THE
BOOK OF GOD'S PROMISES
Overcoming Anger
By
J. Steven Lang
CBN.com
-- The Bible doesn't say "Never be angry." In fact, it portrays Jesus,
the perfect man, the Son of God, driving the greedy money-changers out of the
Temple (John 2:14-15). We are expected to be angry at oppression, at the injustice
in the world, at blatant cruelty -- in other words, angry at sin. But
this isn't the kind of anger most of us feel. Don't we usually feel anger -- sometimes
boiling rage -- at being slighted, ignored, insulted? Don't pride and ego lead
to most of our anger? This kind of anger the Bible warns against. It promises
sad consequences if we persist in it. My dear brothers and sisters, be quick
to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things
right in God's sight. James 1:19-20 Don't be quick-tempered, for anger is
the friend of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9 Dear friends, never avenge yourselves.
Leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance; I will repay those
who deserve it," says the Lord. Instead, do what the Scriptures say: "If your
enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink,
and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you." Don't let evil get the
best of you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:19-21 A gentle answer
turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1 Stop your
anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others -- it only leads to harm. Psalm
37:5 A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
Psalm 12:16 Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge there. Proverbs
14:17 Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, or you will learn to be
like them and endanger your soul. Proverbs 22:24-25 Mockers can get a whole
town agitated, but those who are wise will calm anger. Proverbs 29:8 A hot-tempered
person starts fights and gets into all kinds of sin. Proverbs 29:22 "I say,
if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you say to your
friend, `You idiot,' you are in danger of being brought before the court. And
if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell." Matthew 5:22
"Don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down
while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26 Now is the time to get rid of
anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don't lie to each
other, for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds.
In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually
being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature
within you. Colossians 3:8-10 See also Hate, Pride, Self-control. Related
article: Steps to Peace with God Read
other teaching sheets from CBN.com.
The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J.
Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.
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