..Anger, it's an interesting emotion. So many times we are reminded as Christians to "Turn the Other Cheek" and follow the Golden Rule ("to do unto others as you would have them do unto you" Matt 7:12). Then, we are confronted with reality. The stress of Life, plans that don't work out, difficult people, the person who cut you off in traffic, the stranger who said one too many curse words, the family member who just can't seem to "get it together", the problem that won't go away, the setback, struggle, scandal, injustice that makes you want to lay down your Salvation and pick up the behaviors, patterns, and vocabulary of the World we live in for a second, minute, day. Sometimes anger makes you Forget who you are (a Child of God). Sometimes anger comes along with fear, guilt, regret, self-doubt, and lashing out.
Yet, in Ephesians 4:26-27 we are reminded of three things. First, it is ok to Be Angry. Second, we are reminded of something that is often dismissed, ignored, and sadly overlooked. We are remined to Not Sin. Third, we are reminded to "not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."
But what does that mean? What does it truly mean to both experience and feel anger, but not sin? What does it mean to live in this Broken world with the problems that we see at home and abroad, with millions ignored and attention paid to nonsense and NOT let the sun go down on our anger? Or, give an opportunity to the enemy or the flesh to push us over the edge?
First, we acknowledge that God is in control. Why? Because despite the anger and wrongdoings, God STILL Loves us, he STILL loves those around us, and His word assures us that "All things work together for good" (Rom 8:28). Second, as we recognize our anger we pray. In the midst of our anger, we take a Step back and Organize our thoughts and reset our Hearts so that our actions (or reactions) do not fall into the "Two wrongs" category. Third, it may mean that we begin to Use that Anger to Fuel us and Push us to Confront Sin and do Good, to Pray, to get to Work, and give a Helping hand to those in need; a Voice to the Vulnerable. And, finally, just as we first Acknowledge God because he is In Control, we Ask God to help us to make it through. We ask God for Clarity, Understanding, and Peace.
Yes, anger is an interesting emotion. "But God." No, literally, But God. God knew we would experience anger. He also knew that we would sometimes forget that after "Be Angry" we're told to "Do Not Sin". Still, he Loves us through our Anger, just as he loves us through our Sin. Through his word, He teaches us HOW to deal with our emotions. He teaches us HOW to be Angry (at Sin), but not to forget that we are now Saved and called to turn away from Sin. He teaches us HOW to be Human and Humane. He reminds us that He IS with Us through Every Stage of Life. He helps us when we are Vulnerable so that we may become Victorious.
So, may we Strive today -and every day- to Not Sin. When we are Angry or Frustrated, may we remember to Look to God for help and peace. Then, may we turn Anger into Passion met with Action to make this world a Better place. And, just in case we forget these things in our moments of Frustration or Rage, may we be reminded that there is "No Thing that can separate us from the Love of God" (Rom 8:38-39). (Even our own mistakes and wrongdoings.) May we remember to Confess our sins and take up our Crosses once more, continuing on the path of Righteousness..
