Anger

Why do some people seem to always be angry, looking for a fight?  Why do people get angry, even unreasonably angry?  It even seems contagious.  Have you ever had someone get angry with you and the next thing you know you join right in with them.  There is one main reason for this behavior.  It can all be summed up in SELF.  We have this world view that life is about us, problem is all of us think this way – a conflict waiting to happen. 

So what do we do about it?  We could get in a position of power and authority that will silence any opposition to having things our.  Sometimes we hold it in and take it home where we can take out our anger on someone who is weaker or less likely to win in a fight with us.  Or we could take a look at what God tells us to do, unfortunately this is sometimes the last place we go to.  Next time some gets angry with you or someone else were you might be able to intervene and calm things down try a gentle, kind response.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Man is self-centered and self serving by our very sin nature. We only see things from our little world, seldom will one really try to understand the others point of view. We have a propensity to jump to conclusions, fill in the blanks for actions and words unsaid, attribute motives, and stew over injustices (real or perceived).

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

We have got to come to the understanding that our lives and this world is not about us.  The Bible states it this way “In the beginning God”, this life, this world is all about God – not you or me.  Instead of getting angry about what someone has done or has failed to do for you or your value system – seek instead to serve and do them good.  In fact take it a step further and seek out the most underserving person around – someone that doesn’t really care for you, that maybe is foul mouth and smelling, maybe even someone who has gone out of their way to harm you in the past.  That is your person to love and do good.  Precisely because they don’t deserve it and are in no position to compensate you for your efforts.

My friend that is the picture of what God through His Son Jesus Christ has done for you.  You deserved Hell, He gave you Heaven.  You deserved death, He gave you life.  You deserved hatred, He gave you love.

Matthew 5:39 "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 "If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.  41 "Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 "Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy. 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 "If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

sherman