ANGER

"You better get your anger in check", "Your anger will get the best of you", these are just a few sayings that I remember from my parents growing up. As a child, I didn't have much of a problem with anger but my brother did. He always seemed to be angry at something or someone. When asked about why he was so angry most of the time he would just answer "I don't know". While it is true that sometimes we are angry for no apparent reason, mood shifts are somewhat common, there is always usually a root to the anger to which we are expressing to others. I have heard many descriptions of anger in my lifetime and witnessed much more. Anger can come in the form of abusive and violent words, harsh tones of speech, abusive or rough actions that are displayed to others or even one's self. Anger can also come in the form of avoidance and silence or even explosions and sudden outbursts. To say that anger isn't destructive is likening it to the downplay of a deadly disease that quickly takes over you body and labeling it "just a cold". Anger is destructive, anger can take on many forms and if not kept in check can spread to every area of your life and bring about the end of many if not all relationships you hold dear. Scripture has much to say about the subject of anger and the consequences of letting it take hold of your life. The beginning chapters of Genesis chronicle the first encounters that mankind had with the destructive nature of anger. The story of Cain and Able is one that is very famous in that the first murder of someone is recorded in scripture but the events that lead up to the grizzly encounter is what is key. Genesis 4:2-7 says:

Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” (NIV)

Cain was angry at Able and probably at God. Why would He not accept a sacrifice from Cain but one from Able? It boils down to the issue of the heart. Able gave a sacrifice freely, the best he could give, the best of his flocks. Cain simply just gave whatever produce he had harvested and presented it to God. Cain's heart was not in the right place, he didn't care if his offering was the best or not, he just gave whatever he had. Some might say, "Well what is the big deal? He gave a gift so don't complain." Well this might be a little true but in reality if someone gives you a gift that really shows how much they love you and then someone who claims to love you give you a gift that clearly shows they don't then the one who gave the better gift from the heart is more favorable in your eyes than the other. So Cain was angry, "How dare God accept Able's gift and not mine! How dare Able show me up in front of God!" Cain's anger was so great it began to change him and alter his thinking. The warning that God gives Cain is a telltale sign of the change that is taking place within. God warns that if the anger is not ruled over, or kept in check then sin will be crouching at the door to Cain's heart. Ultimately we know what happens, Cain does not keep his anger in check and he kills his brother over a few choice cuts of meat and pieces of produce. Anger bred malice and murder, it bred destruction. Other scriptures on the subject of anger:

Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. (NIV)

Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. (NIV)

Ephesians 4:26-31 “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. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. (NIV)

James 1:19-20 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (NIV)

Now while it is true that anger left unchecked can be destructive and to different ends for everyone, there is though a time where anger is not bad. There is such a thing as righteous anger that is not personally destructive and can help bring about change. You are allowed to be angry at injustice, you are allowed to be angry at unfairness and mistreatment. Jesus himself was angry at the money changers in the temple when they were extorting money and ripping the poor off with their high prices on sacrifices. The money changers and sellers had turned a place of peace and worship into a place of business and revelry. Righteous anger brings about change that can be beneficial but we must be willing to set it aside when the time comes to help bring about change. In your family times this week focus on those things that might make you angry, why do they make you angry, and what can you do help get over the anger you feel. Go over each of the scriptures as a family and talk about what each of them means to our lives. What are some ways that we can not let ourselves get angry? How can God help us through our anger?