Anger Management

 

Be angry at sin (at immorality, at injustice,

at ungodly behavior), yet do not sin;

do not let your anger cause you shame,

nor allow it to last until the sun goes down.

Ephesians 4:26 (AMP)

As it usually does, the Amplified Bible helps deepen our understanding of this verse beyond what so many other translations say: "Be angry, yet do not sin."

It's good to be reminded what it's okay to be angry about. Too often, we see Jesus overturning tables in the temple and think, "See? I can be mad at Tim for taking the last slice of pizza!"

Jesus was upset with the moneychangers and bird-sellers because they were making it difficult for people to worship Yahweh, not because the color of the tablecloths clashed with the drapes.

AND...he didn't grumble and brood about it, spreading discontent. He took action, not letting it fester and worsen with the passage of time. Before the sun set, he addressed the issue clearly.

Anger management made simple.

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Truth is...I've often heard people pray, "Lord, break our hearts with what breaks yours." Maybe we could also pray that what angers God would raise our hackles as well.