Wrath (Part 2)

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

Yesterday we talked about anger being either like the gasoline-ignited burst of flames of a burn pile, or like a simmering, slow burn of a woodstove. We ended by saying that believers have a responsibility to live lives of peace toward others, and so we need to live in forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love.

Oh, if only it was as easy to do as it is to say!

We have all felt the burst of anger that seems to control us for a time. We take a few deep breaths, perhaps, or leave the room, or count to ten (or to one hundred.) This may keep us from spewing words we will regret, but we still find ourselves thinking and rethinking what has just been done to us.

What can we do “in the heat of the moment?” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was something deep inside of us that would stop the anger in its tracks, before it became a destructive force?

I believe there is. Instead of rehearsing the deed, words, or attitude that angered us, we should rehearse our trust in the Lord. Remember His goodness to us, and consider some truths to get our thoughts moving in the right direction:

  • He has overseen this event that made me so angry. (Genesis 16:13 says, “Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees (El Roi); for she said, ‘Have I also here seen the back of Him who sees me?’”)
  • He will use it for good in my life. (Romans 8:28 promises that He will.)
  • I can trust Him with it (Isaiah 12:2 says, “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for YAH, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.”)
  • I cannot trust my feelings when I am angry. (Proverbs 28:25-26 tells us, “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.”)
  • I can set my mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Why should I? “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2).

We are made new in Christ. His way of living is not what we would choose for ourselves outside of Him. The way we relate to one another is summarized in Colossians 3:12-14: “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”

Jesus, we call upon Your name for the grace to walk in love when we are angry. In Your Name we ask for help. Amen.