“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered”. Proverbs 22:4
What’s behind a short-fused temper? Why do some people fly off in a rage for ridiculous reasons? Anger is insidious when it’s instigated by the trivial, and it transgresses against the Lord for lack of trust. It is hideous because it brings out the worst in everyone in its path. Anger comes from angst in the soul. It is the expression of a faith-starved heart. Mistreatment, abandonment, rejection and loss all contribute to anger. Anger is ugly.
Because anger is unappealing it is wise to avoid the angry, lest you become like them. There is no worse feeling than being trapped in the downward spiral of fury and rage. Anger is an annoyance that no one wants to be around. It is unattractive, unprofitable and immature. Resentful people are unable to get their concerns off themselves and on to others. They are sucked into a cycle of self-pity and self-indulgence. Indeed, service is their secret to freedom.
Perhaps you start by not being intimidated by the angry. Do not fear the fury of the unfaithful. Moses learned this lesson, “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). Begin by faith to put this irritating individual in God’s hands. He can handle them. Do not try to change the angry for they will only increase in anger. Instead intercede to Christ on their behalf for His patience and forgiveness to fill their soul. Angry hearts can only be healed by grace.
If anger controls your actions, repent and ask Jesus to set you free. A disposition of anger is not a badge of honor, but a veil of unresolved sin. So let the Lord love on you and draw you unto His mercy. The Lord loves you and forgives you. He understands the proper use of anger. Ask Christ to channel your energy into eternal initiatives like building a church, feeding the poor and serving your family. Be an activist for Almighty God.
Passion prompted by the Holy Spirit is a mighty weapon in the hands of heaven. Where can I channel my energies for Christ? Who do I need to avoid because of their angry outbursts, and destructive behavior? “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19b-20).
Related Readings: Proverbs 29:22; Jonah 4:1-9; Ephesians 4:26-31; 1 Timothy 2:8
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
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