Originally published Monday, 25 May 2015.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
If you live on planet earth, then I know you deal with anger. We all do. The fact is, that God knows that we will get angry sometimes, but how many of you want to truly learn how to get a handle of yourself when it strikes? Are you so fed up with it to the point that you want to get rid of it? That you want to control yourself better? If so, then I would say that you’re absolutely on the right track!
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:31, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.” (NLT) It’s not good to be bitter, go into a rage, stay angry, use harsh words with people (especially cursing…that’s an absolute no, no), slander people’s name, or be malicious (i.e. mean, nasty, evil, spiteful, or vindictive). God says in His word, “Be ye angry and sin not.” (Ephesians 4:26 - KJV) Because in God’s eyes, that’s not good.
James 1:19-20 says, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. For your anger can never make things right in God’s sight.” (NLT) Let’s read those words again. “Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight.” When you get angry, God is watching to see how you will respond to the person or the situation. Know that He already knew that it would happen. It’s just a test.
So pass it by trying to be quick to listen to what’s being said before you speak. And be slow to get angry before you mess things up. Many people have lost jobs, promotions, respect, and gone to jail, been demoted, and even damaged or lost good friendships and relationships over uncontrolled anger. It’s just not worth it!
So…what makes you angry? Is it when people lie on you, disrespect you, cut you off while driving, talk to you crazy, correct you, tear you down with words, or interrupt you while you’re speaking? What vexes your nerves? Really think about that for a minute. Write it down if you have to. Because whatever it is that makes your skin crawl or makes you “go off” on someone, that’s the anger that needs to be controlled. That’s the anger that you need to overcome.
The bottom line is that God wants us to respond right. Because when we respond properly, others can see the fruit of patience, love, self-control, forgiveness, and a humble spirit working in us. Ultimately, they can see Jesus. That’s who people need. And as Christ-followers, that brings God much glory according to Jesus’ words written in John 15:8, “My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father.” (NLT) I would also add Ephesians 4:32 which says, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ Jesus has forgiven you.” (NLT)
Before I close this post, I want to give you a few practical suggestions on how to get rid of unwanted or uncontrolled anger. Here goes… Pray and ask God to help you, memorize Scriptures on anger, let Him fight your battle (*Remember, “Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord), humble yourself, study to be quiet (practice in the mirror - I’ve done this before…seriously), go to that secret place, sip some hot tea, take a hot bath or shower, take a long drive, pause and breathe, or buy a book on the subject to help you overcome it. If you’re really fed up with anger, I pray that you’ll not only try some of these tips, but that you’ll work in partnership with the Holy Spirit to help you get rid of it and not sin when it strikes!
NOTE: If you have let anger get the best of you…confess it and repent right now. God is faithful and just to forgive you of your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness as His word says in 1 John 1:9. The key is confession and repentance.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
***SAVE THE DATE! Join me for “Let’s Talk” on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 @ 8:30pm (CST)! It's a FREE Call entitled, "Controlling Your Emotions." You DO NOT want to miss this one! Because as women doing anything for the Kingdom or even in the world that we live in, we need to be able to control our emotions. The call # is (218) 936-3436, Code: 12345#. I pray that you’ll join me. Let me know here… https://www.facebook.com/events/1603561793220121/.
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