Questioning Anger!

There are all kinds of reasons WHY people get angry. Even our Lord was filled with indignation at times. (i.e. Mark 3:5) It is how we deal with that anger that is of the utmost importance. Considering the true cause of that anger is also important. Perhaps we have each experienced the misdirection of anger according to the proverbial “If you are mad at the dog, don’t kick the cat.” Quite often it seems that anger becomes vented toward others when what is most needed is an honest consideration as to where the cause of it truly rests. When something goes wrong my personal preference is for the blame to fall somewhere other than on myself. However, while being slow to becoming angry ( James 1:19) we must always give honest consideration as to our own part in any situation.

Early in the record of the history of mankind we find the challenge anger presented. It was a situation where the WHY needed to be honestly considered. Had it been honestly and humbly dealt with, tragedy could have been averted within the first family.

We read…
“(3) In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, (4) and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, (5) but FOR CAIN AND HIS OFFERING HE HAD NO REGARD. So CAIN WAS VERY ANGRY, and his face fell. (6) The Lord said to Cain, ‘WHY ARE YOU ANGRY, and why has your face fallen? (7) IF YOU DO WELL, WILL YOU NOT BE ACCEPTED? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.’” ( Genesis 4:3-7 ESV)

Unfortunately, Cain allowed his anger to master him and he took it out on his brother Abel. What he needed to come to grips with was that the lack of acceptance from God was due to his own actions. Had he honestly answered God’s question -- “WHY are you angry?” -- he would have recognized his actions, not his brother’s, as the problem. God gave Cain the opportunity to do some heart searching, encouraged him to do better, and exhorted him to keep his anger in check.

Someone has suggested, “Two things we should never be angry at: the things we can’t help and the things we can help.” [source: list of sentence sermons] Anger over the things outside our control is a waste of energy and time. When we are faced with such we need to just resolve to press on. However, when it is a situation or result we have brought ourselves into we should accept the consequences as well as the opportunity to learn, grow, and determine to do better.

When it comes to anger we also need to heed the warning that “sin is crouching at the door.” May we resolve to keep the door shut!

Have a great day WILLING TO ANSWER THE QUESTION!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Anger