Killing Anger
Last Sunday evening I addressed the foolishness of anger as described in Proverbs. Angry men (and women and children) give evidence of failing to fear the Lord. Angry men (and women and children) are also not walking in the Spirit.
There are more works of the flesh than one, but “fits of anger” is in between jealousy and rivalries in Galatians 5:20 bibrefgalatians5 bibrefgalatians5v20. These works are “evident.” It’s foolish, fleshly, and apart from repentance, those who keep getting angry will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21 bibrefgalatians5 bibrefgalatians5v21).
By contrast, the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. In the Spirit we belong to Jesus and we kill the flesh, including anger.
With different imagery, Paul told the Colossians to “put off anger, wrath” and more (Colossians 3:8 bibrefcolossians3 bibrefcolossians3v8). Whether you’re accustomed to wearing anger, or if it’s the fashion of the day, take it off.
James told his readers to be slow to anger because the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness that God requires (James 1:19-20 bibrefjames1 bibrefjames1v19 bibrefjames1v20).
It matters for our worship.
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling. (1 Timothy 2:8 bibref1timothy2 bibref1timothy2v8 ESV)
Put anger to death (Romans 8:13 bibrefromans8 bibrefromans8v13). Don’t provoke the Father to anger with yours.