Is Anger Right or Wrong: Don't Wait - Living Free - June 3

Is Anger Right or Wrong: Don't Wait

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Scripture

"And don't sin by letting anger control you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry." Ephesians 4:26 NLT

Thoughts for the Day
Yesterday we looked at the importance of being slow to anger—to listen well and not react impulsively. But the Bible also tells us to deal with the anger appropriately. We shouldn't wait for days, weeks, months or even years to pass before we talk with someone we may have hurt or reacted to in anger. Delay could cause greater pain for everyone concerned. In fact, God's Word instructs us to deal with anger the same day it occurs. "Do not let the sun go down …"

Deal with your anger while there is opportunity to do so. Don't let it stockpile in a slush fund of repressed and denied angry feelings—feelings that may surface at unexpected times, causing you to hurt someone you care about. Lingering anger can develop into bitterness and resentment, leading to emotional, spiritual and even physical problems.

Consider this … 
When you are angry at someone, think about why you are angry. Ask God to help you understand your feelings and to express them appropriately. And then tell the other person(s) involved how you feel. If you have hurt them or treated them unfairly, ask for their forgiveness. And always be quick to forgive them.

Is there someone you should talk to today?

Prayer
Lord, help me understand my feelings and learn to express them appropriately. Help me not to take offense easily, but when I am angry, help me to settle things quickly … and in love. Help me not to let the sun go down on my anger. In Jesus' name …

PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]