Slow to Anger
Ephesians 4:26-27
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
When was the last time you went to bed angry?
Anger is a natural human response to conflict; it can be difficult to maintain self-control in the heat of the moment. We are to react in a manner that pleases God. When we respond in a way that does not honor God, it permits the devil an opportunity to exploit our emotions and lure us into sin. For this reason, the Apostle Paul urged us to forgive quickly. If we end our day in anger, we dwell on negative feelings unnecessarily. God's word encourages us to recognize that this verse is not a suggestion but a command.
In our daily time with the Lord, asking Him to search our hearts and reveal any bitterness or resentment we may harbor is crucial. When the Holy Spirit reveals that our hearts are hardened against someone, we should repent and ask the Lord to help align our hearts and attitudes in a way that honors Him.
We can’t control what others say or do, but we can choose how we respond to them. We are accountable to God for every word and action (Psalm 19:14). Focusing on God’s grace will help us grow in love and forgive others as He has forgiven us. It will empower us to gain victory over our enemy and glorify God.
How will you respond the next time you become angry?
Is there someone the Holy Spirit is prompting you to reconcile with?
Father God, thank you for your grace and forgiveness for me. Please help me to have self-control during moments of weakness. Help me respond in a way that honors you. Please remove any pride in my heart and help me forgive others quickly for any offenses done to me. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture References: Psalm 4:4; Proverbs 14:29, 15:11, 16:32; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Matthew 5:22; James 1:19
