I have a temper and although I have learned to control it, I have not mastered it.  Every so often, it rears its ugly head and I am again humiliated. An annoying interaction with a client services rep about a disputed cell phone charge; a near miss at a traffic intersection; the list is as long as my attempts to control my temper. And I am definitely not proud of this. It is during these times when I don’t feel like a Christian.

 

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.

Ephesians 4:26-27

 

Jesus was angry when he used a whip to clear the temple of the evil moneychangers. But Jesus’ anger was a righteous anger. He was standing up for God’s law. His anger is the type of anger that the Apostle Paul wrote about in Ephesians.

 

God created man with a full range of emotions. I believe it allows us to better appreciate and experience God’s Creation. But when unchecked, these emotions, including anger, may lead us down a darker and slippery road to sin. Anger may foment resentment within us. It allows Satan to drive a wedge between us and others. God rightfully reminds us to not let a day end in anger. Sometimes this is far easier said than done.

 

My anger often leads to sin. Jesus’ anger always led to righteousness. I should obey God’s Word and seek to bring to God the issues that lead me to be angry and lose my temper.

 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.