Judges 8:1-21
Anger is a powerful emotion and because of that, it can also be dangerous. It's not a sin to get angry. It's how we choose to handle our anger that's key. Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger; and give no opportunity to the devil." Gideon let his anger drive and control him and it led him right down the path to sin.
Getting angry is a given. But sinning because of our anger isn't. So how do we combat the pull to react sinfully like Gideon? What are some checks you might put in place to help you respond without sinning the next time something makes you angry? Tami W.
From what I can see about Gideon one could take away that he definitely skipped on a few morning devotions. The Bible says that we are to pray without ceasing, and that is a great antidote to reacting sinfully. This also shows how important it is to putting on the whole armour of God daily. Satan's forces are out to try to get us to respond in a sinful way, so being alert to spiritual warfare being waged shouldn't be very far from our minds. I am thankful though that God is faithful and just to forgive us when we do sin 1Jn.1:9.
Anger seems to follow not only myself and others especially behind the wheel of the car. I don't know about you, but before I became a Christian, I had a difficult time controlling this. Twenty years later the control is better. The first thing I do is call upon the name of Jesus and pray for the person or situation. I think what we need to know is that no one can make us angry, I believe that we do this because we cannot control the situation around us. Now in situations where we become angry because we see the persecution and pervertion I believe that is called justified anger. We must learn to pull ourselves into the arms of our Heavenly Father when start getting angry. Peace to all.
I never saw what he did was considered a sin before today. I just assumed he was executing justice. I am traveling right now and look forward to seeing what my study bible and the commentaries have to say on it since I am stilll not sure what he did was wrong.
This passage says it all, and confirms Ernie and BA's comments:
Galatians 5:16-26 (New International Version)
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the
Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness,
orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
When we surrender ourselves daily, forsaking our own desires, knowing that those desires are corrupt, and live to please and honor God through the power of the Holy Spirit, our hearts and minds will be guarded against all evil.
My area of struggle too ,working on it ,especially if i prepare before taking the wheel. god is able.
That's a good one I don't argue because things can be said that hurt and that can change a relationship,so I take control of my tongue,take to pray and when things has calmed down I do what Proverb 25:15 says By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks bone.
The one main thing I try to think about before I get angry is; is the issue I'm getting angry about really going to affect my life 2 hours later down the road? Is it really that big of a deal to freak out about? Most of the time, the answer is NO! Then I try to forgive and forget. But that sometimes is easier said than done.
There are two things that I demonstrate when I'm angry: slam things around and open my big mouth that contains that little organ---the tongue---just waiting to unleash a "flurry" of ... disrespect! Since trying to get a handle on this emotion, anger, I've discovered something deeper: bitterness. It seems that if I don't do something with or about my anger, it harbours deep within, waiting for the next time when it can come out with twice the vengeance. Which reminds me: vengence belongs to the LORD! It is HE who will repay! Hallelujah Jesus! Thank YOU, my LORD, my Savior, my King, my Hero, my Love and my Master.
As I read through this story once again (its been a long time since the last time) I read the part of Ephesians 5;20 saying that "fits of rage" are among those dreaded works of the flesh I remembered not long ago when I became very, very angry. Now, at the time I thought I was justified; but I certainly was not! Even though my "fit of rage" was in retaliation to a group of Christians coming against me and my ministry (surely that was justified!) NO: I WAS WRONG! I have repented. "Sin is anything that does not bring glory to God" and a fit of rage "fits" that definition. May God help us all in our fight against our sinful nature!