" ANGER "

God Bless You, and welcome! It's so good to be alive, Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. Spring and Fall do it for me, well anytime that I can be of service to the Lord I'm pleased. This week we will be looking into " Anger. " Anger is a powerful emotion. Often it may drive people to hurt others with words or physical violence. But anger directed at sin and the mistreatment of others is not wrong. When injustice or sin makes you angry, ask God how you can channel that anger in constructive ways to help bring about a positive change. People tend to become like those with whom they spend a lot of time. Even the negative characteristics sometimes rub off. The Bible exhorts us to be cautious in our choice of companions. Choose people with characteristics you would like to develop in your life. " An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins " (Prov.29:22). A quick temper can be like a fire out of control. It can burn us and everyone in it's path. Anger Divides People. It pushes us into hasty decisions that only causes bitterness and guilt. Yet anger in itself, is not wrong. Anger can be a legitimate reaction to injustice and sin. When you feel yourself getting angry, look for the cause. Are you reacting to an evil situation that you are going to set right? Or are you responding selfishly to a personal insult? Pray that God will help you control your quick temper, channeling your feelings into effective and conquering selfish anger through humility and repentance. " Be Angry, And Yet Do Not Sin; Do Not Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger " (Ephesian 4:26-27). Now, the Bible doesn't tell us that we shouldn't feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly. If vented thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. If bottled up inside, it can cause us to become bitter and destroy us from within. Now, Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them. If we nurse our anger, we will give Satan an opportunity to divide us. Are you angry with someone right now? Please think, what can I do to resolve our differences? Don't let the day end before you begin to work on mending your relationship. Until Next Time... Jim,