Anger is a powerful and potent human emotion. It has potential to annihilate almost anything. Anger stems from discord and if not dealt with, it can sprout and develop into a bitter root that anchors itself deep within the human heart.
When anger takes root in someone’s life, it inadvertently divides the spirit and the soul. No wonder, words of wisdom echo, ‘Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath’. Anger can fester and multiply at an alarming rate, like cancerous cells in the body. You have to seek out an antidote if you want to survive. Like cancer, if left untreated, anger will be the death of you.
Anger is treated very seriously in the Bible. It is equivalent to murder. Matthew 5:21-25 has a strong teaching about anger. It opens with these words: ‘You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ Please read the full context.
Anger not resolved is more costly than you realise. Not only can your unsolved issues incur significant costs via lawsuits, the personal costs are even more detrimental to your soul. 1 John 3:15 says, “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
What does it matter if you have significant wealth, yet you have driven away the ones who love you? Who can share your happiness when you have detached yourself from your loved ones, all because you cannot deal with your anger? Who will be there to stand with you in good times and bad times? Friends are there for a season and certainly fair weather friends are only there when the weather (life situation) is good.
Most importantly, anger that is not addressed, kills! The person who you think has offended you becomes dead to you. You have killed them in your heart and mind. To you they are dead: they do not exist. You go on living, knowing they are dead to you, yet they could be very much in your presence on a day to day basis. You think you have killed them and they have no part in your life. On the contrary, it is you who is dying. You are living a lie and pretending that all is well. Your soul is not at peace and you know it.
The solution is surprisingly simple; it is wrapped up in forgiveness. Jesus Christ was murdered. He did no wrong but even He pleaded to God the Father to forgive the ones who killed Him. He knew what judgement awaits those who murder. He interceded on their behalf. Likewise, when we sincerely ask God to forgive us our sins, like a torrential rain falling on a dirty car, He washes us clean. He washes us, restores us, renews us and fills us with newness of life. Old things are passed away as He does a new work in our lives. We become a new creature in Christ Jesus and are able to walk in the fullness of life, no longer chained to the old. We know that the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). ◊
Linda Pearl
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