“Put off Anger”

When it comes to anger, we sometimes let our “what-can-we-get-away-with” attitude show through.   The most popular scripture dealing with anger is, “Be ye angry, and sin not” (Eph. 4:26).  Even though it is absolutely true that anger is not necessarily sin in itself, it is not something that can be used with impunity.

Consider these:
1. Anger can put our souls in danger. “But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matt. 5:22).  Everyone thinks he has a cause.  Be careful.

2. It never works the righteousness of God. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:   For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).

3. A wise man is slow to anger (Prov. 16:32). Are you wise? There are many other scriptures which teach about being slow to anger: Neh. 9:17; Psa. 103:8; Psa. 145:8; Prov. 15:18; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nah. 1:3.

4. It is a glory to pass over a transgression (Prov. 19:11). Is that how you feel about overlooking things done against you?  Remember the many good discussions and studies about forgiving others.

5. He that rules his own spirit is better than a man who takes a city (Prov. 16:32: Prov. 25:28). How strong are you?  If you cannot control your own spirit, do you need to seek help?

6. Just because anger itself is not a sin does not mean it is OK to use it to control people and situations.  God says to put off anger. ” Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice” (Eph. 4:31). “But now ye also put off all these: anger”¦” (Col. 3:8).