the fire of anger

When we feel anger at the abuse of the weak and helpless, what dangers do we face?
(If you have not recently read the previous blog, "when anger takes you by surprise," please do so now
since this blog deals with a particular type of anger.) 

Our last blog referred us to Ephesians 4:26-27 NASB. “Be angry, and yet do not sin;
do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” 

“Be angry, and yet do not sin.”
The intense emotion of anger often causes us to act in ways that produce more harm than good.
This danger is present even when we’re angry “for a good reason.”
To truly benefit society, we must be attentive to what God is saying, gaining his perspective, his wisdom. 
While we need the power of our anger to motivate us,
but we also need to ask God to hold the reins of our hearts. 

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.”  
There is danger in waiting too long to act.
The insight and passion we gain through our anger are gifts from God to society
and needs to be guarded.  
When anger calls us to stand up for the helpless and abused,
we need to immediately seek God’s direction.
Then we must faithfully carry out the plan given to us by God
before the fire goes out and we lose the motivation to act.

“Do not give the devil an opportunity.”
We refuse to give the enemy advantage when we depend on God to direct us, not our emotions.
God knows how to use the situation as a fire that purifies, making society better.
Our natural responses tend to spread hatred and anger like wild fire that destroys. 
We also need continually choose to fight against the true enemy,
not the humans the devil has in his grip.
To keep the enemy from gaining control, we must stubbornly refuse to give him what he wants in the situation.  
We choose to love rather than hate.
Forgive rather than retaliate. 
Be creative, not destructive.
Don't be surprised when the enemy claims such responses are a sign of weakness.
In reality, they put us in the position of power
and allow God’s agenda to bring healing and peace.
Another danger arises after God has enabled a person to make a significant stand against evil.
At this point, a leader can fall prey to pride and an attitude of self-importance,
forgetting that God’s goals are accomplished
only when we continue to act as a humble servant of the Almighty,
bowing to his ways,
giving him the credit for the wonders he preforms.  
 
Have you experienced anger that was meant to motivate you to stand up for the oppressed?
If so, how well did you respond?
Perhaps you might still want to take the situation to God in prayer
and ask him if there is anything more he wants you to do. 

Maybe your experience waits just around the corner.
Ask the Lord to help you to be ready,
remembering how to  handle his assignment in the way that will bring the most good.

“Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.”  Ephesians 4:26-27 NASB.

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