Overcoming Anger

          It is not long after you are born, that the emotion of anger may plague you.  It is interesting, that some children, and even adults, deal with anger more than others do.  Often times anger occurs, when the slightest event happens.  You can control your anger.  It does not have to possess you.

            As Christians, you know that anger is a trait that the Scriptures condemn.  You know you should not get angry, but it seems to rear its ugly head more often than you would like.  A man was caught in traffic and couldn’t go anywhere.  The man behind him honked and honked.  The first driver got out of his car and went back to the driver behind him.  He opened the door and yelled at him in some abusive, disrespectful language for honking.  The second driver simply replied, “Your bumper sticker says, ‘Honk if you love Jesus.’”  Ha!  Ha!  That is humorous, but goes to show just how such a small matter can result in anger.

            The very first instance of anger in the Bible escalated, when it should have been extinguished.  Abel brings a sacrifice that the Lord accepted.  Cain brought a sacrifice that displeased the Lord.  “So the Lord said to Cain, ‘why are you angry?  And why has your countenance fallen?’” (Genesis 4:6; NKJV). The Lord asked why Cain was so very angry.  His sacrifice was not accepted, but he should learn from this and have his next sacrifice accepted.  Instead of learning from the experience, Cain got angry.  The next verse says, “If you do well, will you not be accepted?  And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door.  And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”  Simply stated – you have the ability to control your anger.

            Yes, you can overcome your anger.  Do this by praying for the Holy Spirit to empower you to keep it under control!