Fired up is an understatement: I was fiending for the Good Reverend Doctor and the PC crew. Due to scouting activities, I missed my service for two weeks. Despite an opportunity to sell at the coveted 40th street, I went to church. My thoughts: come hell or high water I wanted to get my message.
The GRD is preaching a seven week series based on the seven deadly sins. I missed pride (separates you from God) and envy (focusing on what God has given someone else and not what God has given to you). This past Sunday he focused on anger.
God’s anger or wrath is spoken of at least 40 times in the Old Testament. When we are angry, we are usually threatened, rejected, not happy with ourselves, feeling ignored.
The GRD then referenced Luke 15:11-12; 28. The story of the prodigal son who is welcomed back home by his father despite being a major screw up. The older brother, the one who stayed the course, did the right thing, was angry. Have you ever felt this way? Mad because, dammit, you were the bigger person? Angry because you followed the rules? Pissed to the highest of pisstivity because you took the high road?
That, according to the GRD is a sin.
Anger is a sin.
WOW!
When we are angry, we are like a shotgun. We blow off some steam, might break a few things, say something out of pocket. Then we calm down. If we look at what we have created, we are like a loaded gun going off.
It’s not a mistake, its a sin.
There are times when we want to be angry. But once we are walking with Jesus, we need to recognize then divert our anger.
1. Learn to recognize your anger.
2. Know why you are angry.
3. Find an appropriate way to express your anger and ADMIT your anger.
4. Forgive those who made you angry.
I am struggling already with number 4. There are times when I need to take an ‘L’ on some of the people/circumstances that have wronged me (at least in my view) that I find I forgot what I was even mad about (I still stand by my decision to yell jerkwad to bad drivers). Other than that, I am going to use this week to make myself more aware of anger and learn to let go.
Keep the conversation going. Comments welcomed!