Who is a Loser?
Anger

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:29-32

Key Verse: Colossians 3:8

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

The Bible makes it clear that the emotion of anger is not sinful in and of itself (Ephesians 4:26).  The reason anger is such a tough issue for a lot of people is because of what they do while feeling the emotion of anger.  It is possible to feel very angry and yet never sin, but it is hard.  Sinful behavior finds its energy in the emotion of anger.

            The Bible’s emphasis is on controlling our emotions, not eliminating them.  For example, love is encouraged but it can cross over to lust if it goes unchecked.  All of our emotions are God-given and that certainly includes anger.  However, it is anger that gets a lot of people in trouble and pride often keeps them there!  God wants to help us with the control issues surrounding anger.

            The first promise we must claim is: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).  We must stop telling ourselves the devil’s lie: “I just can’t help myself.”  The second promise that helps us with the control of anger is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “…He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear…”  That lets us know that our anger levels are not beyond our ability to control!  When we accept Jesus into our hearts, His promises are provided to every child of God, but not every child of God makes good use of them.  Do you?

Father, when I’m angry I am tempted to say and do things that would grieve your heart.  Please help me  control my anger today!  In Jesus’ name, amen.