Anger
This week I had someone who I gave a third chance to, lie to me over various issues. Discovering this, the righteous anger in me was immense. When Christian leaders behave badly I often feel personally affronted (This was not a Baptist leader by the way). God-appointed leaders are meant to witness doing the right thing. “Justice” is one of my highest values, so when I see injustice, lying and deceit, it’s like a red rag to a bull.
How about you? What type of thing pushes your button? There’s nothing wrong with anger. It’s a natural response to hurt. “The Lord’s anger burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the desert forty years,” (Numbers 32:13). There were consequences for the Israelites who sinned against God. That whole generation did not get to go into the Promised Land. This seems in contrast to the many passages that say, “The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in love,” (Ex 34:6, Numbers 14:18, Ne 9:17, Psalms 86:15, 103:8, John 4:2).
So, what’s the guts with anger? It’s OK, natural, and appropriate to feel anger at injustice and hurt. It’s what we do with that anger that matters. Eph 4:26 says, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” The reason is that prolonged untamed anger gives the devil a foothold in our lives (Eph 4:27). Better to take it to God in prayer and ask Him what practical steps we can take.
In my situation I will not accommodate unjust behaviour by Christian leaders forever. That lacks wisdom. There are, and should be, consequences for wrong behaviour. But I have a choice what to do with my anger. Putting it into future solutions is a better way, and praying to God to guide us is the best way of all.
About Pastor Julie
I’m passionate about the church – building believers up in their faith, to be all God intended them to be; and I’m passionate about sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who don’t know Him yet.