How to Be Angry Without Sinning – Part Six

Ephesians 4: 26, 27

At the end of the chapter containing our text is specific instruction for dealing with anger (Vss. 31).  Notice – – – “rage and anger” 

“Rage” translates the Greek word THUMOS which refers to an inward feeling. It literally means to “get hot.”

“Anger” translates the Greek ORGE and signifies an actively expressed emotion.  If “rage” means to get hot, anger” means to boil over.

Next, three improper ways in which anger is expressed are noted. “Brawling” or “clamor” is one. It means screaming and crying. Don’t do it.  If you start – – – stop.

This can turn into “slander”  or “evil speaking” where we defame someone.

Character assignation then turns into “malice” which is a desire to injure a person.

Let all of these traits be put aside for Christ’s sake.

Consecrate yourself to the Lord and those things right in His sight.   

This has two facets. They are: “don’t give place to the devil” for when you do you “grieve the Holy Spirit.”

If you are having trouble with any of the emotions listed in verses 31 and 32 there is a way of victory. It consists of forgiving the person with whom you are angry out of appreciation for Christ having forgiven you.

If Christ, who is absolutely holy, can forgive us with all of our guilt, surely we can show our appreciation by forgiving a peer.

This series of posts has dealt with anger. Hopefully they have been helpful. If the principals from Scripture are applied you now have more tools to use in controlling your anger.

Remember, “For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

You are responsible for controlling your temper with the help of the Holy Spirit. Don’t expect Him to do it for you. Don’t attempt to do it without His help.

Controlling your anger is an initial act that results in a lifestyle. The challenge will always be there. So will the God given ability.

“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” James 1: 19, 20.

Observe this theme from Ephesians 5:1. The Phillips Translation reads: “As children copy their fathers, you, as God’s children, copy Him.”