How easy is it at times to hold on to anger? How easy to meditate on another’s actions, and how they impacted you, harmed you, changed your life, delayed your plans, ruined your timetable. How do you release such contaminating anger, however justified it might be?
Or maybe you are the one running for your life. You have hurt others and run to get away from the consequences. Or you have been so severely wounded that anger has been your armor, protecting your heart and soul from further damage.
The protective covering can become the chink in your armor: a hardened heart can kill you. Get rid of the anger. Anger isn’t wrong; it is an honest reaction to life in a broken, unjust world. “Be angry,” says the Lord, “and yet do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26). Holding on to the anger, or running from the consequences of anger, is sin. It will destroy you. Own your anger by recognizing it and how it shows up in your life. Take note of the ways your anger has hurt you and others. Then bring it before God. “Oh, Lord, I am angry at _____ for hurting me.” Or “Dear God, I am angry about _____.”
Confess how you have sinned in your anger, and ask the Lord, who promises to “forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), to restore you to wholeness, to take away the anger and replace it with forgiveness for the one who has hurt or disappointed you.
More from The Alternative View:
Testimony Time
“I watch you every Sunday morning on TBN and enjoy your service.”
“Brother Evans: I became a believer at the age of 35. Whenever we would get in the car, the boys would say, 'Is Tony Evans on?' You have been a blessing to my family for many years. Congratulations to your daughter on her beautiful job in War Room.”
“I just watched your TV presentation on discouragement and depression. It came at a perfect time. Thank you, Dr. Evans! I would recommend your ministry to anyone because I love the way you get the Word across.”
“Really enjoyed hearing you sharing Jesus yesterday on the interstate. God bless.”
