February 14, 2009

Anger

“Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” (Genesis 4:8 NKJV)

“Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27 NKJV)

This seems to be a strange comment to be angry and sin not. However, let the reader realize that Paul says be angry by way of concession not command. In addition, the anger that he allows can only be without sin when directed at sin or the preservation of God’s glory, and that not to excess.

Anger is a dangerous emotion that usually finds its roots in pride. When a person believes their rights have been violated they become angry. When left unchecked it grows into wrath.

There is a special warning about allowing wrath to rest. If wrath lingers in the heart it opens the door for the devil to gain a foothold on your life. Perhaps you will agree that sin often occurs in patterns. These patterns are likely there because the devil has found a weak spot in the believer’s armor and he continues to exploit it until the armor is repaired.

If you struggle with anger, look back at your life and see if you have some unresolved hurt that you have allowed to turn into a seething wrath. If there is such bitterness you must let it go. Forgive the offense and likely the devil will leave you alone.

Don’t take this to mean it is not your problem. Believers are responsible before God for their sins even if the devil sets the stumbling block. However, the text is clear that allowing anger to linger gives the devil an opportunity he can exploit.

It could be that your anger is not from a lingering bitterness associated with one event. Sometimes anger becomes a way of life. This is most serious for it expresses dissatisfaction with God. The real anger is directed at God, but taken out on others for there is little to no relationship with the offender (God). The Jews hated God because He sent His Son and He was not what they wanted.

It is critical you understand that you must come to God on His terms. Don’t continue in the ways of Cain. Look at his failure.

“And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. So the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire [is] for you, but you should rule over it."” (Genesis 4:3-7 NKJV)

You know where Cain’s anger led him. He killed his brother! If you are angry with your brother without a cause you are guilty of the same. However, with whom was Cain ultimately angry? He was mad at God! God didn’t respect what Cain had offered and so Cain’s countenance fell.  That anger grew into wrath and ultimately he took two lives. He killed his brother and he killed himself spiritually (if you will allow). Therefore, if you are prone to anger, find your way of escape for it is serious offense before God.

Related Scriptures:

“By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised [is] wisdom.” (Proverbs 13:10 NKJV)

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NKJV)

“But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.” (Matthew 5:22 NKJV)