Hi
With gender based violence and reports of domestic abuse on the rise, today’s Holy Nougat invites us to think about our anger.
“Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.” Psalms 4:4 NLT
“And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT
When placed beside each other, these two nougats seem contradictory. Think overnight and remain silent until then; but don’t take the anger with you beyond the day … Until we realize that the root instruction is fixed firmly on overcoming anger. Then one might see two approaches –
I would presume that the psalm was directed at hotheads like Moses, who respond in the moment – think (and hopefully be calm) before responding to a situation that incites anger. [Count backwards to zero from … in threes]. It is not hard to see the potential danger there – that is the breeding ground for revenge (ask Cain about his brother’s murder).
On the other hand, in the Ephesian context, the thought was address the anger now. Prevent the scope for plotting evil. For the impetuous that may seem to be permission granting UNTIL we get back to the core message – get angry; but do not sin! Don’t allow the anger to overcome us. Overcome the anger!
But, what of cases of extreme abuse or human rights violations or …?
I believe that that’s where righteous indignation or holy anger may have voice. Even then, it must be tempered by God’s grace. For when we allow God’s Spirit to respond, Justice will be served – not ours but God’s.
So, the final call is the self check – what are our triggers for our anger? How do we respond to issues/situations that infuriate us (to respond in anger)? Who bears the brunt of our anger? Does thinking it over infuriate or calm? When angry, do we make room FOR God’s Spirit?
Lord help us overcome anger and channel it to You. In Jesus name amen
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
