Shortly after the massacre in Denver, I was at a young people's event aimed towards unbelievers. The person who led the discussion concluded that anger was natural and acceptable before God, but we must learn how to manage it. The discussion that ensued was basically your worldly anger management seminar. Being a child from European descent, I have been taught through example, that anger is an acceptable behavior. The Lord has been exercising me over the past two years to question what I have been taught by example, for anger always seems to ruin my witness.
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (Ja.1:19-20)
The Bible tells us that God does get angry; but in his holiness he can separate the anger for the action, from corrupting his judgement upon the person- absolute justice. We know where our anger starts, when self has been slighted; but who has control over where it stops? We cannot separate the action from the person and so our anger leads us to sin:
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. (Eph.4:26-27)We must teach young believers that when we become angry, we have given the devil a foothold to enter our lives and rob us of the fruit of the Spirit. Anger is not a fruit of the Spirit but is contrary to all His fruit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Ga.4:22-23)
Anger and bitterness in a person is similar to placing acid in a paper cup. It not only destroys that which it is spilt on, but destroys the very cup that holds it. If we are angry, we will not experience the peace of God but the anger will start to consume us. For this reason we read:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (Eph.4:31; Co.3:8; 2Co.12:20)
Anger starts a downward spiral into brawling, slander and filthy language, and even murder. Christians need to know that we cannot control other people's actions, but we are responsible for our own. The Bible states that our anger could place us under judgment:
"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. (Mt 5:22)
Anger starts the moment we refuse to forgive an offense and take revenge, even if only by emotion itself. This could place us not only under judgement but also outside the mercy of God
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Mt.6:14-15; Mt.18:35)
Young Christians need our examples that anger is unacceptable and that the excuse of our anger being someone else's fault is unacceptable to God. Therefore, members of His church:
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. (1Ti.2:8)