Roundup is a strong weed killer (a poison) used in our cemetery to control weeds around the graves. Spray it on and over time you will see the plants affected turning yellow and then die off. We are rightly taught to be careful with poisons like this because they are dangerous.
A dangerous poison is anger. It can affect all of us. The Bible expects we will get angry from time to time – Ephesians 4.26. It would be helpful to each of us when we feel anger rising in us, to stop and pray. Then to ask the following questions of ourselves: Why am I angry? Would Jesus be angry? What would Jesus do?
Why is it like a poison? Anger that remains creates a root of bitterness that takes hold of us. It not only affects us but those we come into contact with. When we exercise strong self control over anger, we withdraw from people and are cold to them. The alternative is we don’t control it and speak in a way that hurts those hearing or do actions that show we are angry. These are called the fight or flight responses. Both cause harm to our relationships.
What does the Bible say about our 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 4.26-7 This expects from time to time we will have feelings of anger. But it cautions us of the danger of remaining angry, the devil knows, he will use this anger against us and those we serve Jesus with.
- “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1.19-20. Be slow to become angry, spend more time listening than talking.
- “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3.13. Forgiveness releases angry from controlling us.
- In Matthew 18.15-17 Jesus taught us how to respond if someone sins against us. Instead of stewing in anger we are to be proactive in resolving this with our brother/sister in Christ. This response should be done is a way that carefully shows what the sin is and listens to each other.
God is slow to anger and abounding in love (Psalm 86.15). Will we be like our God.
Your Pastor Wayne