Lenten Devotional Day Twelve
I have written about the deadly sins and anger in particular a fair amount over the years. I did a whole series on my blog in 2008 and then wrote a post titled The Anger Epidemic in 2018. It is interesting in rereading those to consider how the sin of wrath has grown in cultural acceptance over these years, not just a little bit, but profoundly. It is rarely, if ever, acknowledged as a sin at all.
In contrast, the Bible is clear: 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) 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) My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:19-20)
I hardly ever watch television, and I think the last time I watched the news, it was for a hurricane update. Still, I know most of it is angry people claiming to be righteous in their wrath. How small-minded and prideful to believe that such anger is akin to Jesus turning over the tables in the temple. Yet it is implied that such anger does “bring about the righteous life that God desires,” despite unambiguous Scripture to the contrary. As Christians, we are called to be instruments of His grace and peace in our little corner of the world, so it is oddly out of touch to be continually outraged about injustices outside our realm of influence. We can pray about it. We can give. But being angry does nothing to help the victims, and it hurts us. Instead, let’s go love and serve someone we know in the flesh, practice overlooking offenses, and extending grace.
Digging Deeper:
Do you think you have been desensitized by the culture on the issue of wrath? When was the last time you identified your anger or someone else’s as sin?
Ann Voskamp said, "Anger is the lid that suffocates joy." Where do you need to ask God to help you rid yourself of the anger lid?