I heard something interesting tonight at my support group. “Anger is just a watchman that tells you when something is wrong (or is perceived to be wrong). Sending anger out as a negotiator is never good.”

I never thought I had a problem with anger. When it comes to most things, I have a very long fuse. In fact, I sometimes surprised myself at being able to shake off things that would make others angry. But there are a few things that arise anger in me quickly. I have discovered that injustice, perceived or otherwise, makes me angry very quickly. And few things offend me, but those that do bring anger. In this current trial, there is great injustice. But I believe anger, in part, brought this trial upon me.

I am not a violent man, nor am I accustomed to rage. But in the past, if I believed that I was being attacked for no reason (perceived injustice), I immediately became offended and thus angry. And in my anger, I attacked the one who was herself sometimes being treated unjustly. I sent out my anger as a negotiator. And because of that, I was unable to look at myself honestly and see the sin in my life.

Anger in itself is not sin. But anger can and does sometimes bring about sinful behavior. During the past couple of weeks, I have been angry almost on a daily basis over legitimate injustice. And God is having to teach me day by day what to do with that anger. Too many times in the past have I reacted in anger. But I have given my anger over to Christ. And by His grace, I will learn self-control.

“Be angry, and yet do not sin…” (Ephesians 4:26)  

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