SEEK GOD'S SOLUTION TO AN ANGER PROBLEM

 “But now you yourselves are to put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him”—Colossians  3:8 -11

In our scripture reading for today, we find that Christians are called to put aside "anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech."   The command is clear, but the process of achieving and maintaining freedom from anger can seem confusing and overwhelming.

 

To deal with anger, the first step is to recognize anger in your heart.  For those who are readily able to express their feelings, this may seem unnecessary, but for those who have buried their anger deep within, an extended time of soul-searching before the Lord may be necessary.  Although hidden, the cancer of resentment will grow and slowly infest the heart.  This growth of anger has caused people to miss out on God’s plans and purpose for their life.  To remedy anger, allow the sharp sword of God's Word to do some surgery so that it can be cut off, “For the word of God powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

 

The next step is to confess unrighteous anger as sin and then begin to deal with it immediately. Because anger is often a response to hurt, care must be taken not to excuse or defend it in the name of justice.   According to Frank and Ida Mae Hammond, authors of Pigs in the Parlor, anger is linked to demon groupings of bitterness, resentment, hatred, unforgiveness, violence temper, retaliation and murder, and is associated with perfection, pride, vanity ego frustration, criticism, irritability, and intolerance; all which may need to be dealt with in deliverance.   Although someone may have sinned against you, holding onto anger in response is also a sin.   Scripture tells us to overcome evil with good, not to repay it, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17, 21).

 

Management of an irate lifestyle is not optional; anger must be put aside. We can not expect to live in the new nature Christ has created for us while retaining our "right" to be angry and hold grudges.

 

God's solution to an anger problem is a new Christ-like personality which He has created for us. Our responsibility is to put it on and seek deliverance when necessary.   He invites us to cooperate with Him in this process of transformation.  With each step of obedience, the peace of Christ will increase and anger will diminish.

 

Prayer—Father I ask You to help me deal with anger immediately when it comes, and please help me to walk in Your meekness, gentleness, and kindness.   Father I receive by faith all of Your capabilities in dealing with anger when it arises in m life, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.