Tag: anger

O Brother!

Genesis 4-5, Proverbs 4, Matthew 2

Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

Do you have a brother? Did you ever fall short, at a time when your brother did not? Have you ever felt jealousy or anger? Have you ever acted on your feelings, severing a relationship? Even if you don’t have a brother, there is much to be learned from this short account of two brothers in Genesis 4, the first set of brothers born to Adam and Eve – Cain and Abel.

Both brothers brought an offering, or sacrifice, to God. Cain, a farmer, brought fruit of the ground. Abel, a shepherd, brought a firstborn sheep. It seems good and logical to us. Offerings to God are good. But, some are better than others. And some, God says, are not accepted/respected/pleasing to Him (depending on which translation you use). Throughout Scripture much more will be written about offerings (including many different types of offerings in Leviticus, the widow’s 2 mites, a cheerful giver, etc…). We do not have a written record of how God conveyed His expectations to Cain and Abel before this, but we do know that God desires relationship with His children and He sees into the heart and if He wasn’t pleased, there was a good reason for His displeasure.

We all have been in the position where God is not pleased with what we have brought, done, or said. But where do we go from there? Do we see jealousy, anger, sin of any kind for what it is and seek to make correction? Or do we dig in deeper into our self-righteousness as we inch (or sprint) further and further from God and who He wants us to be? God gave Cain a choice, just as He gives each one of us. He said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, and you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:6,7 ESV)

Cain didn’t do well. He did not find a way to control his thoughts and actions and anger. He did not rule over/master the sin that desired to have him. He killed his brother. He was not accepted by God.

In Genesis 3, God had asked Adam “Where are you?” and one chapter and generation later God asked Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And I don’t think God was too impressed with Cain’s answer: “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). Yes, as we seek to have mastery over the sin in our own lives, we are also to be looking out for our brothers (and sisters – even those not through blood lines). How does my sin affect those around me? How am I bringing down others with my attitudes, actions, anger, lack of self-control, and sin?

We can be thankful for the examples of those who have gone before us – both the examples of what they did right and what they did wrong. How they handled it when they didn’t measure up? What they could have done better? What happens when jealousy is allowed to fester and take over? What is the problem with anger? Both Cain and Abel were used as very real examples in the New Testament by multiple writers –

1 John 3:12 – Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.


Jude 1:11 – Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error… (Perhaps a “Profitable” clue as to why Cain’s offering wasn’t pleasing to God.)

Both Matthew and Luke record Jesus speaking of Abel to the Pharisees (those with heart issues over sacrifices, perhaps similar to Cain’s). Matthew says: “from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah” (Matthew 23:35, see also Luke 11:51).

And Abel, although his life and example were cut short, he becomes the very first named example of faith and righteousness recorded in the great list of witnesses known as the Faith Chapter of Hebrews 11. After commending those who believe the universe was created by the word of God, the writer says: “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” (Hebrews 11:4 ESV)

What is Abel’s faith and example saying to you, today?

Reflection Questions

  1. In worship today, what makes a sacrifice acceptable, pleasing and respected by God? What sacrifices today are not acceptable, pleasing and respected by God? What sacrifices or offerings have you brought to God as part of your worship to Him? Are there some that are not too impressive? Are there some that are not given with the right heart, or are not much of a sacrifice at all?
  2. When might God ask you, as He asked Cain, “Why are you angry?” When have you been jealous of what others have brought to God or jealous of another’s ability to please God? When has comparing yourself to others, and God’s acceptance of them, left you bitter and angry? What do you do with your anger? What did God tell Cain that would be good for you to hear, too? (Take a closer look at Genesis 4:6&7.)
  3. In what ways can we use the examples of both Cain and Abel to “do well” today? What ought we to do? What ought we to not do? How can we rule over the sin that desires to have us? If God were to come asking YOU the whereabouts of your brother/sister (in blood or in faith), how would you answer? How can you take a positive step toward being a helpful “brother’s keeper” this week?

If you were hoping for a devotion and questions on Matthew 2, here’s a link to one for SGL posted on January 2, 2022.

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Dealing with Disappointment

1 Kings 20-21

In First Kings 21 we find the account of King Ahab in his attempt to gain ownership of a vineyard owned by a man named Naboth.  After the king makes his appeal to Naboth, Naboth declines his offer.  King Ahab’s response is recorded in First Kings 21:4 where it says, “So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, ‘I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.’  He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat.” 

What a response to the disappointment of not getting what he wanted!  He’s acting like a spoiled toddler.  He doesn’t get his way so he sulks, gets angry, lays on his bed, and refuses to eat.  It’s easy to see why King Ahab is known as one of the evil kings of Israel.  However, might there be something in this account that hits a bit close to home for us as well?

Has there ever been anything in your life that you really wanted and did not get?  How did you respond?  Have you ever played or watched a sport in which you really wanted your team to win but they didn’t?  How did you respond?  Have you ever worked hard and wanted to earn a promotion or a good grade but did not receive what you thought you deserved?  How did you respond?  In any of these situations, or others when you did not get what you wanted, did you sulk or become angry or refuse to eat?

We could certainly look to Jesus and see how he handled disappointments in life.  He weeps over Jerusalem in Matthew 23 but resolutely follows God’s leading to Jerusalem.  He prays God will allow a different path in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26 but resolutely follows God’s leading to the cross.  These are two of many examples in which Jesus affirms that he will follow God, no matter the disappointments he faces.

Another biblical example of appropriate responses to things not going their way is the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3.  When threatened with the punishment of being thrown into a fiery furnace if they do not abandon God, they respond by saying that God would rescue them, “But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”  These three were also resolute that even if they did not get their way, they would follow God’s leading.

As we face times of disappointment in our lives, let’s commit to resolutely following God, no matter what.  The encouragement Paul gave in First Thessalonians 5:16-18 would be good encouragement for us in these times as well.  “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  Even when we do not get our way we can choose to be joyful, to pray, and to give thanks.

-Michael Cisler

Reflection Questions

  1. Has there ever been anything in your life that you really wanted and did not get?  How did you respond?  What is your typical response to any sort of disappointment? Why do you think you respond this way?
  2. What could be some underlying thought processes of someone who regularly becomes angry or sullen when faced with disappointment (not getting what they want)?
  3. How can a better response to disappointment be a witness to your faith in God?
  4. What would you like to do next time you meet up with a disappointment?
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Lessons from a 3,400 year old Travel Journal

Numbers 31-33 

Misunderstandings! Ever been misunderstood and frustrated?! It’s what happened to Moses and the people he led. The LORD told Moses to take vengeance on Midian. Among them Balaam was also killed with the sword, but the women were kept alive. This upset Moses! The women through Balaam’s counsel caused the Israelites to sin in baal worship. … Moses worked out a solution.

Then two of the tribes wanted to settle east of the Jordan River with their abundant livestock. This upset Moses again! How could their brothers go to war while they sat there?! After a lengthy response he heard their intended promise to cross over with them to help them fight and after return to their livestock and cities.

It can be frustrating to be misunderstood. That’s why it’s important to listen and be patient with others. “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19

Lastly, let’s not skip over the AMAZING travel journal of chapter 33, and like my Bible geography teacher/husband would say, “It shows these are real places and a real God.” Many of these places are still called that to this day, and it’s from some 3,400 years ago! Pictured above on the left is an aerial view of the Jerusalem/Jericho area looking to the north of Israel with snow capped Mount Hermon on the northern tip.  Did you know that there’s a ski resort up there with 14 ski runs and 5 chair lifts?! YES! One winter on the same weekend one of our boys was skiing up there with friends while the other was snorkeling in the Red Sea (on the southern tip)! Don’t misunderstand Israel, it’s a BEAUTIFUL place! 🙂

-Stephanie Schlegel

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. Do you get angry when you’re misunderstood? How can you be quicker to listen to the person before responding in words and anger?

2. How do you clarify yourself? In anger? With patience? Kindly? Today, try to respond better to a misunderstanding, and ask God’s help to do so.

3. Have you ever kept a travel journal of the places you’ve been? What would people think if they found it 3,400 years later?! :0

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“That took a turn…”

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezra 1-3

*POETRY: Psalm 139

NEW TESTAMENT: John 12:20-36

Psalm 139 is beautiful. 

God searches us and knows us. 

He is all around us, ready to be there for us no matter where we go. 

He thinks precious thoughts of us. 

I desire that God will slay the wicked because I hate them so deeply. 

God will lead me in the everlasting way. 

Yes, truly beautiful. 

Wait a second, what was that part about slaying the wicked. 

For 18 verses we are given a beautiful declaration about the wonder and majesty of God and his deep and unending love for his people. Then verse 19 comes along and the psalmist is declaring his homicidal thoughts for everyone God hates. Wait, that GOD hates? God hates people?! What’s going on?

Let’s remind ourselves what the Psalms *are*. The Psalms are collectively, the songbook of the people of Israel, composed by different men, women, and bands across hundreds of years and in different places. Each psalm is, individually, a poem, lyrics to the song composed.  

The Bible is inspired, authoritative, and true, but the personality and desires of the author comes through. God’s inspiration is not so thorough as to remove the human element from the text. Here, we can see the way in which David, who either wrote the psalm or who inspired the psalm (see note below) considered his faithfulness to God displayed. While God cared for David, David loved God by, in this case, defending his honor. There are men, men who desire bloodshed, who speak wickedly against God, who are enemies of The Most High. David desires that they do not get away with their sinful lifestyle, but that they instead have their evil come back on their own head. 

Here’s where this can make sense to us: God is not shocked by your anger, your revenge plots, your bitterness. He wants to hear it. He wants you to “put pen to paper” or, maybe more accurately, put word to thought, and express your feelings. Where they are justified (sin is evil and WILL be overthrown) he will allow those feelings to continue and where they are wrong (God desires all to be come to a knowledge of the truth, not hating his enemies) God will work to correct them. He knows what is on your heart, but he wants you to acknowledge that reality yourself. 

When you acknowledge the dark part within yourself, not denying it but confessing it and repenting of it, then you will be able to say “see if there is any hurtful way in me.” 

And God will lead you in the everlasting way. 

(Note: “Of David” could mean either “by David” or “in the style of David.”)

__________

-Jake Ballard

Questions

  1. Any where you go, God is already there. In theological terms, we call this God’s omnipresence. He is everywhere all at once. Is this comforting or terrifying? It is freedom or oppression? Why do you think that?
  2. Each person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God, knit together in the womb of their mother. People are people in the womb, known and loved by God. How should that impact how we think about little humans in wombs in our world?
  3. Are there any dark parts that you need to declare to God? Anger, bitterness and resentment you need to release, because he cares, as well as already knows your heart?
  4. “Search me and try me” are bold statements. If you have had a blessed day, ask God this difficult question, expecting God to give you an answer. If you have not had a good day, pray that God would show up clearly and lead you clearly tomorrow. 
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Religion that is Worthless

OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 38-40

POETRY: Psalm 107

*NEW TESTAMENT: `James 1:19-27

Have you ever spoken without thinking and hurt someone as a result?  Maybe you have seen this object lesson before, but think of a tube of toothpaste.  It is really easy to squeeze the toothpaste out (my kids are happy to do so in excess if they make it to the counter before me).  But once it is out, it is incredibly difficult, time consuming, and messy to get that toothpaste back in.  Once you speak, you can’t take your words back.  You can apologize, but that doesn’t change the fact of what you said.

How quickly do you become angry?  I like verse 20 which gives us a reason why we should be slow to become angry – “for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”

It is easy to get angry, to speak rudely, to interrupt others’ speech.  But these things do not help us to live the life God wants us to.  It might make us feel better for a second to have an outburst, but usually, we feel worse afterwards and it has done nothing to improve our lives.

But how do we go about avoiding this temptation that is easy to slide into?

“get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

In a small group I was a part of in the spring, there was an idea that kept coming up from discussing the sermons – if you aren’t producing good fruit in your life, take a look – are you letting sin have a hold in your life?  We have to be constantly on the lookout for where sin seeps in and push it out in order that our fruit can show.

Verse 22 – “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says[!]”  You have to act.  It is great to go to church, listen to sermons, classes, read the Bible on your own, etc.  All great things.  But if all you do is listen, it isn’t going to make a difference.  You need to actively push the sin out of your life and pursue the good.

To circle back to the beginning of this section, here is what James writes in verse 26 “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” 

That is strong language!  Do you thing about your words having such an impact as to make your religion worthless if you do not control your tongue?

Think about your speech – do you need to work on controlling what you say?  Is there speech you need to ask for forgiveness for?  Is there speech you need to forgive someone else for?  What moral filth do you need to get rid of in your life in order to be able to accept God’s word?

Silence has value.  In the words of Thumper “if ya can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”

~Stephanie Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you thing about your words having such an impact as to make your religion worthless if you do not control your tongue? When might you have questioned someone else’s religion because of what they said? When was the worth of your own religion decreased due to what you said?
  2. Think about your speech – do you need to work on controlling what you say?  Is there speech you need to ask for forgiveness for?  Is there speech you need to forgive someone else for? 
  3. What moral filth do you need to get rid of in your life in order to be able to accept God’s word?
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Jonah’s Object Lesson

Old Testament: Jonah 4

Poetry: Psalm 73 (on repeat the rest of this week)

New Testament: Luke 12:13-21

In Jonah chapter 3, the great city Nineveh repented, and they turned towards God. Afterwards, God had mercy on the people and relented on the upcoming disaster that Jonah was warning them of. 

For those who follow God, it should be easy to rejoice when God shows his mercy and love. However, in Jonah chapter 4 we see that Jonah was displeased with the mercy that was afforded to the people of Nineveh. Why was Jonah angry at this? This is possibly due to Nineveh being the capital of the nation of Assyria, an enemy of Israel. Perhaps being on opposite sides, Jonah wanted to see his enemies destroyed, or perhaps his own personal morality guided that the Ninevites deserved destruction. Perhaps the disaster never befalling Nineveh also delegitimized the words that he spoke to them, and made him feel less powerful. Either way, Jonah’s heart was not in the right place, and God saw to it that Jonah saw this too. 

After Jonah complained to God, he rested. There, God allowed a plant to grow. Jonah found joy in this. Then, God caused the plant to die in the morning, and called in a great heat to overcome the area that Jonah was in. Again, Jonah cried out at the demise of the plant that he had. 

God then likened this plant to Nineveh. It gave great joy to Jonah despite him not being the reason it grew, and it was only there overnight. So too Nineveh should also receive mercy even if recently they turned from their wicked ways. 

Although only 11 verses long, Jonah 4 reveals a lot to us about who God is, and how we should interact with him. First off, God used the plant as a metaphor for Nineveh, much like how his son Jesus would use parables to teach spiritual lessons to people in ways that they may understand. 

Secondly, God has love for people, even for those that are not his chosen people. Perhaps Jonah may have disagreed with this at the time, but regardless this goes on to show the legitimacy of the great commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28, and carried out through the rest of the New Testament. The love of God is for everyone. 

Thirdly, we should always want what God wants. Even if we do not understand God, or if we do not agree with the way things may be going for us, we must adopt the viewpoint that aids so many people throughout the Bible: “not my will, but yours be done.” “Yours” referring to God, our father in heaven. 

-Colby Leggitt

Reflection Questions

  1. Even when we feel that we are worthless, how can we remind ourselves of the greater purpose that God has called us to?
  2. Why was Jonah so upset that God relented to the disaster to befall Nineveh? How can we connect this to times in our lives when we are angry that things don’t go our way? 
  3. What does God tell us about the worth of being angry (without very good reason)?
  4. Was God’s lesson on Jonah too harsh? Are such tribulations the kind of tough love that is needed sometimes for us to see things the way God wants us to?
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Down, but Not Out

Psalm 37:24 NLT – Down, but Not Out

Old Testament: Leviticus 10 & 11

Poetry: Psalm 37

New Testament: Acts 9

Today’s reading in Acts is the conversion of the Apostle Paul, once called Saul. This is a huge moment for the church. This man once persecuted Christians. Remember, he was there nodding in agreement when they stoned Stephen to death. After His encounter with Jesus, he became a servant to the Gospel. He wrote many books in the New Testament and was instrumental in spreading Christianity to the Gentiles. He is an important figure. However, I’m not going to focus on him today. I felt a little guilty about skipping over his story, but I’m reasoning most of us know Paul. Paul’s been taught many times to us and will be many times again. Instead, I want to share some insight I gained after doing a word study years ago on a verse in Psalms 37.

Psalms 37:23-24 says, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall.” (NLT)
In the English language, the words “stumble” and “fall” mean the same thing. A look at the original Hebrew text for this verse reveals something different.

The Hebrew word used for the term “stumble” in verse 24 is the word “Qual” meaning to fall or lie down. The Hebrew word for the term “fall” in verse 24 is the verb “Hofal” which means to pitch, reel, cast down. In fact, the word Hofal is used throughout the Old Testament to describe objects being thrown. A more literal translation for this verse is: “Though they [the godly] fall, they will not be thrown out.” Or in other words, “down but not out!”

Understanding this verse in its original language reveals God’s amazing grace. Even when we struggle, even when we fall, God has not abandoned us.

We will make mistakes. We will sin. Earlier this week we read Leviticus 4 and 5 which gave instructions on the proper sacrificial offerings for unintentional sins. Sometimes our sin is not always deliberate. Sin can be the result of a broken heart.

Several years ago, I went through a very difficult breakup. I was mad at God. Mad at myself. Mad at the boy. In my anger, I threw a tantrum.

I witness tantrums on a daily basis. Let me tell you, there is a difference when a young child throws a tantrum and when a young child is deliberately disobedient.

When a young child throws a tantrum it is in anger because something did not go his or her way. In the early years of development, children are still learning how to handle big emotions. Instead of quietly moping or dealing with it, children whine, scream, throw themselves on the floor, talk back, run, hit friends, hit you, throw things. Literally ANYTHING to make it clear they are unhappy with you and the situation, while at the same time trying desperately to get your attention because they still need your affection. As mad as they are at you, they don’t want to be left alone.

During that period of my life, I fell, and I fell hard. Though I never walked completely away from God, I definitely ran around on fire screaming at God but refusing to jump into the refreshing pool of living water that could heal me. I took the long road towards healing. While it may have made me a more understanding teacher, I definitely would not recommend.

Once I was ready to properly deal with my disappointment and work through things with God, it took me twice as long to recover. I had to deal with the breakup and deal with the damage I caused while being angry with God. Thankfully, amazingly, God does not leave us. He does not cast us out. Though we may sin, struggle, fall along His righteous path, He does not throw us away. Our freedom to continue along His righteous path is bought with the precious blood of His son. In the words of Dr. Joe Martin “Hallelujah! Praise God! Amen!” *slam a table or wall*

-Emilee Ross

Reflection Questions

  1. This Psalm was written by David. What did he know about the godly stumbling? What could a full fall (or throwing out) have looked like for David? How was God holding his hand?
  2. When have you stumbled? Did you throw a tantrum? What could have a full fall (or throwing out) looked like in your situation? How was God holding your hand?
  3. What characteristics of God make Him really good at holding the hands of the godly, even when they stumble. What role does Jesus play? Be thankful!
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Ego Problems

New Testament: Esther 3 & 4

Poetry: Psalm 27

New Testament: John 7

And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage.   Esther 3:2

When I read this description, it reminds me of a scene from a movie. In The Avengers, Loki tells a group of people outside an opera house to kneel before him. There’s one old man in the crowd who stands when Loki says to the people,

“In the end, you will always kneel.”

“Not to men like you,” the gray-haired man says.

Loki responds arrogantly, “There are no men like me.”

“There are always men like you.”

Turns out, he was right! There have always been men like Loki, people who are consumed with pride, hungry for power and so murderous in their pursuit of it that they are willing to wipe out a population of people. Genocides in Rwanda, Bosnia…the Holocaust. These modern tragedies, though horrendous, are not new.

Haman, from our passage in Esther, was so like Loki that he set out to destroy not only Mordecai, but his entire people.

Letters were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.  Esther 3:13

I don’t watch scary movies…but isn’t that kind of the plot of The Purge?

Haman was clearly a petty man. Willing to murder an entire race because one man didn’t give him the respect he felt he deserved.

…when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. Esther 3:5

Most of us won’t commit genocide over a slight. Most of us won’t even get filled with fury when we don’t get the recognition we deserve. But we may become filled with jealousy, or bitterness, or discouragement. Ego can take a lot of different forms.

Haman based his worth in his status, and it was easily dismantled when that status was challenged. Like Haman, we can find our worth in the wrong place. Our successes or wins, being right, our appearance, finances, being liked, our intellect… really any number of things. And when that worth is dismantled (as it will surely be) we can go the way of Haman and act out to try and earn what we have lost, or we may simply feel worthless.

I don’t think we’re any more aware of doing this than Haman was. We are deceived, and we experience the results of our deceit, causing us to react. Maybe instead of trying to change our reactions, we would be better served to dig a little deeper and expose where it is we believe our value is based. Awareness may not eliminate our bent, but shining a light on deceit is the first step in seeing the truth.

-Susan Landry

Reflection Questions:

  1. How would you describe Haman? How would you describe Mordecai? How are you like, and unlike, each of these characters?
  2. How are you most likely to react when your ego is damaged?
  3. Where do you find your worth? Is it serving you well? Are there adjustments to be made? What does God say makes you valuable?
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All Forms of Malice

Old Testament: 2 Kings 11 & 12

Poetry: Psalm 132

New Testament: Ephesians 4

Thou shalt not murder. This is one of the simplest commandments to keep. But the Jews of old and the Western world today lay out conditions of killing another human being that are acceptable, or deserve a lesser degree of punishment.  In this standard, the most murderiest of murders is “murder with malice”.  This means that the crime was premeditated and the intent to kill was established well before the act was carried out – murder happened in the heart first. (Matt 5:21-22) Malice, this intention and desire for evil, has no place in the Christian’s heart.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32

Therefore, It is seemingly pretty simple advice when Paul states Christians should get rid of every form of malice.  Christians sin, yes, but isn’t it always accidental or sometimes in the spirit of the moment? Not quite.  The malicious premeditation of a Christian is more elaborate and filled with justifications for their crime.   Christians become apologetics for the immoral actions of a political candidate because their candidate does their bidding. Christians cheat on their taxes with the justification that the government is spending on abortion. Christians gossip under the guise of having more people in prayer over the concern.  Christians withhold the Gospel message from someone because we don’t want to save them (eternal murder with malice).  These premeditated actions of Christians remind me of the unreliable narrator in The Tell-Tale Heart, making elaborate justification for his act in madness.  They are equally crazy.

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “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 4:25-27

If we can feel the malice forming in our minds, it is time to address the issue. Paul states that we should be humble, gentle, patient, and loving, especially with our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we have an issue, ghosting brothers and sisters in Christ is unacceptable and leads to malicious talk and actions. We must find them, and speak truth in love and hope for a unifying and peaceful resolution.  Even further, when someone has an issue with us, we must abide by the same rules, seeking resolution and unity.  The only defense we are ever to play is accounting for the hope we have and the confidence within us about our faith. (1 Pet 3:15)

Be careful, O Christian.  Don’t let the sun go down with anger in your heart. It will turn into bitterness.  It will turn into rage.  It will turn into murder by the standards of Jesus Christ.  Let’s conclude with this ending thought by Paul: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. When was the last time you let the sun go down with anger in your heart? How could you have changed how you dealt with the problem?
  2. What is the danger with anger?
  3. Truthfully consider, is there an area where you lean toward malice? How would you go about getting rid of it? What would you replace it with? How?
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A Hot Head

Old Testament: 1 Samuel 21 & 22

* Poetry: Proverbs 12

New Testament: Acts 6

Proverbs chapter 12 has some very interesting proverbs that can walk us deeper into understanding the wisdom and knowledge that begins with the fear of Yahweh (cf. 1:7; 9:10). One of those proverbs is 12:16, which says, “The anger of a fool is known at once, but a prudent person conceals dishonor.”

Picking up on the conjunction “but” that connects the two lines together, this suggests that the parallelism in this proverb is likely antithetic, meaning the two lines are expressing opposing ideas. In the first line, the main idea is that the “anger of a fool” is readily apparent (i.e., “known at once”). The question we always need to ask ourselves when reading wisdom literature, especially Proverbs, is, “How is this proverb true?” In other words, “What circumstance could this proverb be accurately describing?”

Have you ever known someone who had a short temper? And what was the characteristic behavior of this individual that earned them this reputation? Probably they got angry easily, right? The first line is identifying that a fool is someone who has no control over their temper and quickly erupts at the smallest provocation. They are a “hot head” just waiting to blow. Given the wrong remark or facial expression from others, their attitude can turn sour in an instant and their anger flares up like a barrel fire.

On the contrary to this foolish behavior, the “prudent person,” who exercises self-control and discipline and has a “cool head” about them, “conceals dishonor.” Thus, unlike the fool that vents their anger immediately, unable to rule their emotions but makes an open show of their contempt, the “prudent person” covers over, overlooks, or does not give attention to the dishonorable actions of others. They do not respond in a like manner with unrestrained, emotionally charged reactions.

Thus, the point of the proverb is that a wise person recognizes the best way to handle criticisms or insults and does not react impulsively or irrationally by stooping to meet the fool at their level.

Have you ever just wanted to let someone have a “piece of your mind”? I sure have, and I bet you have too. But the self-restraint required to not vent one’s frustration or anger is part of living with wisdom. Did you know that learning how to rule over your emotions was exercising godly wisdom? It may not “feel” as good in the moment as it would if you yelled at the other person, but wisdom is not about what “feels” good—it is about what is good and right to do that glorifies Yahweh and aligns with his intention for how life is best lived. Therefore, the wise person must deny the temptation to give in to destructive emotions, like uncontrolled anger, that would inflict harm on others. Wisdom teaches how to build strong, healthy relationships and ways of interacting that promote peace and godliness. And that entails being able to keep one’s emotions in check.

-Jerry Wierwille

Reflection Questions:

  1. Give some examples of how temper can interfere with living a life that glorifies Yahweh. Any come to mind when you were the one with the hot head? How could it have played out differently with more self-control?
  2. How can you work on more self-control and discipline? Ask Yahweh, too.
  3. What does Yahweh value?
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