We know that the way of the world, the way of the flesh, is incompatible with God’s way.  We know that we are all born into sin, that Jesus Christ saves us out of our sin when we turn to Him, and that with the help of the Holy Spirit the saved person can overcome sin and be obedient to the Lord.  Nevertheless, we still struggle with temptation.  We are tempted by food, we are tempted by money, we are tempted by untruths, and we are tempted with lust.  But we don’t often think about how we are also tempted by anger.  James 1:19-21 says,

“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.  21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”

    One of the first responses we have when we are confronted in any way (unjustly or justly, by an enemy or by a friend, by an authority figure or by an equal) is anger.  Anger is often one of our first inclinations when we experience something uncomfortable or something we don’t like.  And anger demands an instantaneous gratification.  The moment we feel anger it feels good to let it out.  But the Bible tells us, as believers in Christ, we ought to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”

    Anger, like any sin, promises us the world but leaves us empty.  We often believe our anger will fix things – if someone didn’t listen to you, get angry!  If a store won’t give you a refund, get angry!  If someone disrespects you, get angry!  Just think how terrible our lives would be if our Lord treated us like that…

    The Scripture, here in James, tells us, “Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”  Love covers a multitude of sins.  And if we reflect on all the times we have angered the Lord by our sins, we remember very quickly that we receive a loving amount of grace every day.  This knowledge should humble us as we reflect on how many of our sins the Lord has mercifully forgiven us in Christ.  

So this week, if someone has angered you, think back to the cross.  Think back to our Lord.  Think back to your sins which have been forgiven by grace alone, and extend the same love and forgiveness that Jesus has extended to you.  The righteousness of God is not achieved by our anger, it is achieved when we are quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger – seeking to be a community of grace toward one another under the shadow of the cross.

If you have any questions about what it means to be saved from your sins and to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or about how to resist the temptation of anger, please contact us at info@fb3c.org.  

I hope you’ll come be with us tomorrow night at 6pm for our Wednesday Night services!  We have something for all ages and we would love to have you and your family present with us for our midweek services.  May God bless you! 

In Christ,

Pastor Chase