Anger Issues

"In your anger do not sin" Ephesians 4:26 says.  It doesn't say to be angry is a sin, but cautions that unresolved anger can lead us into sin.  How?

 

Sometimes we get so hurt by someone that we don't forgive them, even though scripture says "But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions." Mark 11:26

 

Sometimes we are so beat down that we stop trusting, to protect ourselves, even though scripture says "So we may boldly say: 'The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:6 and "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him." Nahum 1:7

 

At times our anger is so great, toward the person that wronged us, whether it's the driver in front, a parent, a friend, or a spouse, or even God himself, that we refuse to seek peace.  Even though scripture says "And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry," Ephesians 4:26

 

Often, we do whatever feels good to us, regardless of the consequences, even though scripture says "Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself," 1 Corinthians 6:19

 

We seek our own retribution even though scripture says "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord." Romans 12:19

 

Our world is full of anger.  We are bombarded with inflammatory new and commentary, polarizing our opinions and distracting us from what Jesus actually calls us to do. 

 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31

 

Who is you neighbor?  The driver who just cut you off, your frustrating parent, that friend who was not there when you needed them, the spouse who isn't perfect.

 

"Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." John 14:23