Thursday, 19th January, 2017
Bible reading: Matt. 21:12-13
Memory Verse: “Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it “Luke 19:45(NKJV)
Anger should be constrained! The Bible tells us that it is okay to be angry, but, not to allow it lead one to sin! Jesus modelled to us the correct way to channel our hostility in fervent action. Anger can lead to a solution, or a real problem, depending on how you handle it (Prov. 14:29).
Bitterness, resentment, lost of temper, and hostility are the opposites of righteous anger. Resentment hardens our hearts with unforgiveness and heaviness, it kills, causes wars and hatred, destroys relationships and society.
Anger, in itself, is not wrong; it is not a sin if we handle it in the parameters of the Fruit of the Spirit and Love. If it was wrong, God would be wrong, because, there are over 600 instances in Scripture where God was angry. Jesus Himself would have been a sinner, as well, when He became very angry in the temple (Matt. 21:12-13; Luke. 19:45-48). God’s anger is called righteous indignation, having a just cause and reason!
Self-control is the governor to our anger, and these two characters must work in unison, lest we lose the sobering of our temper. When we have self-control, we have the motivation to resolve problems, respond to injustice, get God’s point across, or get the needed attention, so we move in a better direction. Righteous anger convicts us of sin, and place us back on God’s path. It helps us get a point across that would not be heard, as Nehemiah did (Neh. 5:6).
Quote: Control your anger responsibly.
Prophetic Word: The Holy Spirit shall cause you to control your temper in Jesus name.
Prayer points:
- I receive grace to be angry and sin not, in Jesus name.
- Holy Spirit, increase my self-control, in the name of Jesus.