The World Has Gone Mad!
In my 80 plus years, I've never witnessed such pervasive anger. Rage has become commonplace, and hurt seems to abound. America feels like a nation of victims, with everyone angry at someone. We can categorize this anger as:
The troubling part is how unchecked anger in one category spills over into the others. Scripture offers clear guidance on handling anger:
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Yes I know that this is easier said than done, but it is essential. Anger is a cancer of the soul, dominating other emotions if left unchecked. We all know someone described as "always angry," but that person could be us. Unresolved anger drives us from God. Our relationship with God affects our relationships with others, and vice versa. Anger towards others can poison our relationship with God.
Anger is a virus affecting every aspect of life. It cannot be compartmentalized; it must be eradicated. Deal with it quickly. Scripture warns against letting the sun go down on our anger because unresolved anger breeds bitterness.
Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV [26] “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold.
Anger also impacts the church. People avoid church for various reasons, including hurt. As a pastor for more than 10 years, I've witnessed a lot of hurt within the church, both given and received. If you've been hurt by a fellow believer in church, I am truly sorry. The church, meant to be a place of healing, can also be a source of pain due to its imperfect people. The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. Like any family gathering, be it a reunion, holiday, or vacation, hurt can occur because families are collections of sinners who happen to be related.
The Bible presents two challenges regarding anger:
Ephesians 4:3 NIV [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Romans 12:7-8 NIV [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (emphasis mine)
Both challenges require effort and a conscious choice to resolve anger. Our natural response to anger is fight or flight, but there's a third, and better option and that is to unite. The scriptures urge us to strive for unity and peace. Why? Because anger stifles growth.
Anger may hurt others, but it primarily damages you – your soul, your relationship with God, and your relationships with others. Anger towards one person affects all your relationships.
God matures us when we offer grace instead of anger. Grace is unearned forgiveness and undeserved reconciliation. It's choosing unity and peace.
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
James 1:19-21 NIV [19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. [21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
1 Peter 4:8-11 NIV [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Grace is crucial for God's work in your life. When you are angry, you can't become who God intends you to be, do what God calls you to do, or experience God's fullness. This is why Jesus emphasized peace and reconciliation. Jesus tells us to prioritize reconciliation above all else.
Matthew 5:21-26 NIV [21] “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. [23] “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, [24] leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. [25] “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. [26] Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. (emphasis mine)
Peace isn't waiting for an apology; it's taking the initiative to make things right. It' Choose to wage peace. Peace is a choice. Feelings are unreliable. When waging peace, feelings are irrelevant. It's about obedience to God.
Choose to be a warrior for peace, a warrior for God. Grace is the antidote to anger. Offering grace to someone who hurt you allows your anger to fade. We offer grace not because they deserve it, but because God extended grace to us. Choose grace, not anger. Choose to wage peace, not war. Remember, when you choose grace, you diffuse anger and create space for love, forgiveness, and healing.
In my 80 plus years, I've never witnessed such pervasive anger. Rage has become commonplace, and hurt seems to abound. America feels like a nation of victims, with everyone angry at someone. We can categorize this anger as:
- Mad at me.
- Mad at us.
- Mad at them.
The troubling part is how unchecked anger in one category spills over into the others. Scripture offers clear guidance on handling anger:
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Yes I know that this is easier said than done, but it is essential. Anger is a cancer of the soul, dominating other emotions if left unchecked. We all know someone described as "always angry," but that person could be us. Unresolved anger drives us from God. Our relationship with God affects our relationships with others, and vice versa. Anger towards others can poison our relationship with God.
Anger is a virus affecting every aspect of life. It cannot be compartmentalized; it must be eradicated. Deal with it quickly. Scripture warns against letting the sun go down on our anger because unresolved anger breeds bitterness.
Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV [26] “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold.
Anger also impacts the church. People avoid church for various reasons, including hurt. As a pastor for more than 10 years, I've witnessed a lot of hurt within the church, both given and received. If you've been hurt by a fellow believer in church, I am truly sorry. The church, meant to be a place of healing, can also be a source of pain due to its imperfect people. The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. Like any family gathering, be it a reunion, holiday, or vacation, hurt can occur because families are collections of sinners who happen to be related.
The Bible presents two challenges regarding anger:
Ephesians 4:3 NIV [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Romans 12:7-8 NIV [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (emphasis mine)
Both challenges require effort and a conscious choice to resolve anger. Our natural response to anger is fight or flight, but there's a third, and better option and that is to unite. The scriptures urge us to strive for unity and peace. Why? Because anger stifles growth.
Anger may hurt others, but it primarily damages you – your soul, your relationship with God, and your relationships with others. Anger towards one person affects all your relationships.
God matures us when we offer grace instead of anger. Grace is unearned forgiveness and undeserved reconciliation. It's choosing unity and peace.
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
James 1:19-21 NIV [19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. [21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
1 Peter 4:8-11 NIV [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Grace is crucial for God's work in your life. When you are angry, you can't become who God intends you to be, do what God calls you to do, or experience God's fullness. This is why Jesus emphasized peace and reconciliation. Jesus tells us to prioritize reconciliation above all else.
Matthew 5:21-26 NIV [21] “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. [23] “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, [24] leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. [25] “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. [26] Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. (emphasis mine)
Peace isn't waiting for an apology; it's taking the initiative to make things right. It' Choose to wage peace. Peace is a choice. Feelings are unreliable. When waging peace, feelings are irrelevant. It's about obedience to God.
Choose to be a warrior for peace, a warrior for God. Grace is the antidote to anger. Offering grace to someone who hurt you allows your anger to fade. We offer grace not because they deserve it, but because God extended grace to us. Choose grace, not anger. Choose to wage peace, not war. Remember, when you choose grace, you diffuse anger and create space for love, forgiveness, and healing.
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