Post by Cindy on Nov 30, 2016 8:23:09 GMT -5
What was God seeking to produce by the cross? Was his goal a kingdom of unangry people? No, the cross was meant to produce people who are angry every day. Jesus died to produce a culture of people who are so in love with him, so committed to his righteous cause, and so distressed by what sin has done to them and their world, that they cannot help but be angry every day. This is not the old, selfish, unholy anger. These people are able to be good and angry at the same time.
Jesus died not only to free you from your anger, but to enable you to take up his righteous anger. He died so that you would not rage inside because people and circumstances loom as constant obstacles to the realization of your little kingdom cravings. He died so that you would not be a captive to the self-absorbed anger of your claustrophobic little kingdom. He died so that you would be angry with sin and the way it has harmed you and everyone around you. He died so that you would be angry at the way sin has damaged the world you live in. He died so that your anger would be holy and pleasing to him. He died so that your anger would propel you to act in deeds of mercy, love, forgiveness, compassion, restoration, and peace.
“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Selah Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:1–8)
““In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26–27)
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.” (Psalm 37:8–9)
Heart of the matter: Daily reflections for changing hearts and lives
The right way to deal with anger
1. Face it honestly.
2. Own the anger. When anger is discovered we must take responsibility for dealing with it.
3. Determine to resolve it God’s way. This involves thinking it through to determine whether or not it is righteous or unrighteous anger. (Psalm 4:4) Honest introspection is a good thing if it is for the purpose of pleasing God. (1 John 1:9)
4. Determine to catch it at the kindling point. (James 1:19; Prov. 17:14)
5. Be quick to forgive. (Eph. 4:32)
6. Love one another as Christ loves us. (1 Peter 4:8 ; 1 Cor. 13:4–5) Love does cover a multitude of sins. If you are caught up in the anger cycle, ask God to give you a heart of compassion towards those with whom you are angry. If the person you are most angry with is yourself, ask God for a heart of compassion to deal with yourself as well.
If your anger has been present for some time and it has become resentment, you must deal with the resentment first. (Eccles. 7:9)
1. Confess it as sin. (Prov. 28:13)
2. Gain God’s perspective. God’s answer to resentment is mercy. Mercy on God’s part towards you and mercy on your part towards the person you are resenting. (Luke 6:35–36)
3. Forgive the person for whom you hold resentment.
4. Seek the forgiveness of those you have resented. (Matt. 5:23–24)
5. Act upon your forgiveness through acts of mercy. If you can begin to see people through God’s eyes you will begin to have compassion on them. (Rom. 5:8; Rom. 12:20–21)
God’s answer to resentment is different than the world’s. God’s perspective has in focus the character of Christ and the healing of the one who is resented. He also has in focus what is best for us. It is always best for us to put anger and resentment behind us and get on with the main purpose of our lives. Resolving anger will involve a re-affirmation of your own position in God’s grace and your willingness to forgive. Christianity and change
See also: Matthew 18:15–20; Matthew 5:46–48; Romans 12:17–21; Leviticus 19:17; Nehemiah 5:7; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Psalm 37:8; Proverbs 19:11; Psalm 73:17–18; Ephesians 4:26–32;
“Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)
“It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” (Proverbs 20:3)
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.” (Proverbs 22:24–25)
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” (Proverbs 29:11)
“An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” (Proverbs 29:22)
“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:11–13)
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:7–8)
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Also: 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; and 2 Peter 1:5–8.
Jesus died not only to free you from your anger, but to enable you to take up his righteous anger. He died so that you would not rage inside because people and circumstances loom as constant obstacles to the realization of your little kingdom cravings. He died so that you would not be a captive to the self-absorbed anger of your claustrophobic little kingdom. He died so that you would be angry with sin and the way it has harmed you and everyone around you. He died so that you would be angry at the way sin has damaged the world you live in. He died so that your anger would be holy and pleasing to him. He died so that your anger would propel you to act in deeds of mercy, love, forgiveness, compassion, restoration, and peace.
“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Selah Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:1–8)
““In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26–27)
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.” (Psalm 37:8–9)
Heart of the matter: Daily reflections for changing hearts and lives
The right way to deal with anger
1. Face it honestly.
2. Own the anger. When anger is discovered we must take responsibility for dealing with it.
3. Determine to resolve it God’s way. This involves thinking it through to determine whether or not it is righteous or unrighteous anger. (Psalm 4:4) Honest introspection is a good thing if it is for the purpose of pleasing God. (1 John 1:9)
4. Determine to catch it at the kindling point. (James 1:19; Prov. 17:14)
5. Be quick to forgive. (Eph. 4:32)
6. Love one another as Christ loves us. (1 Peter 4:8 ; 1 Cor. 13:4–5) Love does cover a multitude of sins. If you are caught up in the anger cycle, ask God to give you a heart of compassion towards those with whom you are angry. If the person you are most angry with is yourself, ask God for a heart of compassion to deal with yourself as well.
If your anger has been present for some time and it has become resentment, you must deal with the resentment first. (Eccles. 7:9)
1. Confess it as sin. (Prov. 28:13)
2. Gain God’s perspective. God’s answer to resentment is mercy. Mercy on God’s part towards you and mercy on your part towards the person you are resenting. (Luke 6:35–36)
3. Forgive the person for whom you hold resentment.
4. Seek the forgiveness of those you have resented. (Matt. 5:23–24)
5. Act upon your forgiveness through acts of mercy. If you can begin to see people through God’s eyes you will begin to have compassion on them. (Rom. 5:8; Rom. 12:20–21)
God’s answer to resentment is different than the world’s. God’s perspective has in focus the character of Christ and the healing of the one who is resented. He also has in focus what is best for us. It is always best for us to put anger and resentment behind us and get on with the main purpose of our lives. Resolving anger will involve a re-affirmation of your own position in God’s grace and your willingness to forgive. Christianity and change
See also: Matthew 18:15–20; Matthew 5:46–48; Romans 12:17–21; Leviticus 19:17; Nehemiah 5:7; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Psalm 37:8; Proverbs 19:11; Psalm 73:17–18; Ephesians 4:26–32;
“Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)
“It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” (Proverbs 20:3)
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.” (Proverbs 22:24–25)
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” (Proverbs 29:11)
“An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” (Proverbs 29:22)
“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:11–13)
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:7–8)
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Also: 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; and 2 Peter 1:5–8.
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