Don’t sin by letting anger control you—Prayer for October 21. Praise the Lord, everybody! Several things can stunt our growth as Christian men and women, and one of those things is anger. Anger and unforgiveness are a deadly combination. So, let’s focus on anger for now.
Bible Verse for Today
In your anger, do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
We need to know that anger is not a sin. It is a God-given emotion. God also tells us that divine or righteous anger can be acceptable to Him.
God gave us our emotions to help us control and express our feelings, not so they can control us. For example, in Matthew 21:12, Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple. Jesus was angered but did not sin.
God warns us not to sin due to our anger and commit acts like disobedience or hurting someone physically. For example, Moses struck the rock out of anger and was not allowed into the promised land with the Children of Israel because of his disobedience. Read Numbers chapter 20.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
The Bible also addresses anger in James 1:19-20: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
If we follow those instructions, we will encounter fewer opportunities to get angry or sin in our anger. God is letting us know that man’s anger stems from the flesh and does not encompass God’s righteousness.
If we are quick to listen, listen to what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell us when we find ourselves in various situations that can lead to frustration and anger. At the same time, we must be slow to speak, measuring the impact of every word we say and ensuring that our words are seasoned with salt and grace toward the hearer. (see Colossians 4:6)
Then we must be slow to wrath or anger, examining the reason for our anger as to whether it is Godly righteous indignation or of the flesh.
So, as Christians, we must always check the reasons for our anger. Is it from the Holy Spirit? Or is it from the flesh? If you’re honest with yourself, you will know the answer. So, don’t sin by letting anger control you! God bless you.
Don’t Sin by Letting Anger Control You – Prayer for Today
Father God, forgive us for our sins of anger. Help us, Lord, to be more forgiving and uplifting to others, as well as slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to wrath. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Also read: OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
