God's Anger Management Plan

Ephesians 4:26-27 teaches us to “be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down upon your wrath. Neither give place {opportunity} for the devil.”  Anger is not a sin.  It is a response to a “wrong” or an injustice that we have experienced.  But if left unresolved, anger often leads to sinful behavior.   Let’s take a closer look at God’s anger management instructions.

“Be angry {when angry}” – Anger is a natural part of our lives.  God is angry at wickedness.  We should be angry at the evils and injustices being perpetuated in the world.  But we also become angry with spouses, significant others, co-workers, the person who cut us off on the highway and an assortment of other individuals in countless situations. 

“And DO NOT SIN.”  This is not a request, suggestion or hint.  This is God’s command to us.  But I can’t control myself when I am angry-- I just lose it-- I feel like hitting somebody-- I wouldn’t go off if people didn’t make me angry.”  Lies.  God did not give any of us an exemption.  When he gives a command, we are fully capable of obeying it and he fully expects it to be carried out.
While we may not be able to catch ourselves before becoming angry, remember that we are held 100% accountable by God for our BEHAVIOR.  Anger, hurt, bitterness, and the like are not excuses for ungodly behavior.  You may FEEL like acting out sinfully, but God prohibits it.
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“Neither give place to the devil”.  When we are angry, we grant Satan a variety of opportunities to influence us to sin.  When we have been wronged, we feel justified in seeking revenge, I mean justice.  Many people have lost their lives due to uncontrolled anger.  Some have damaged their own personal property (el stupido) while sinning in anger.  A multitude of friendships have been permanently lost due to giving place to the devil.  If you give the devil a room in your house, he will move in. 

“Neither let the sun go down upon your anger.”  Yoohoo, married folks. You guys are the #1 violators of this requirement.  We are not to go to bed angry.  You might wake up dead.  We must make every effort to settle disputes, extend forgiveness, or just let things go before closing our eyes for the night.  Even if you can’t settle the issue, God still prohibits us from to retiring for the day in a state of anger.  The Lord knows that some problems will carry over to the next day, but the anger is to remain in yesterday.

Note concerning anger and mental illness.  Research shows that those who suffer from depression and anxiety are subject to more frequent flashes of anger than those who don’t.  You need to be aware of this tendency.  But God still requires the same standard whether we suffer from depression/anxiety or not.  Some of us may have to work harder to control our anger than others.  We all have demons that challenge us. But regardless of our circumstances, we are held fully accountable for our behavior by God. 

Be angry and sin not! 
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