Be Slow to Anger

Anger is a sin when it is directed at people. Paul says that “we should not let the sun go down on our anger (Eph 4:26), but it doesn’t mean you can be angry and mean all day, for as long as you repent before you go to bed. Rather it refers to our anger against evil and the works of the devil. We should not let the sun go down on our wrath against the enemy. We should stay stirred up against the works of the devil as Jesus did.

But being angry against people is a sign of self-righteousness and pride, and therefore not of the Lord. There’s a big cost to anger. When you let anger take control, you’re going to cause irreparable damage. When you lose your temper, you always lose. You may lose someone’s respect, the love of your family, your health, or even your job. Pr 14:29 says: “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding. But he who is impulsive exalts folly”.

We think we get the short-term payoff, but in the long run, anger always produces more anger, more apathy, and more alienation. Pr 26:21 says: “As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” How many kids have become alienated from a parent because of out-of-control anger? Anger destroys relationships faster than anything else.

How many folks have been torn apart from a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a husband, a wife, or a friend because somebody lost their cool? Anger against people is never the right kind of anger.

Hurt people hurt people. You can’t think that if you pour out your anger on people, it’ll be done and over with. No, you’re only rehearsing for the next time. It is rooted deep in pride the same as bitterness and has to be uprooted.

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. “-Jam 1:19