HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 31
page A29
When is it okay to be angry?
• J O H N 2 :1 5 -1 6 | [Jesus] drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’
coins . . . and . . . told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house
into a marketplace!”
• NU MB E R S 2 5 :1 1 | “Phinehas . . . has turned my anger away from the Israelites by being as
zealous among them as I was.”
Anger at sin is not only appropriate but also necessary. It is a sign that our priorities are in
line with God’s, that we understand the destructive force of sin, and will confront it with the
same passion that God does.
We all get angry at times, so what should we do about it?
• E PH E SI A NS 4 :2 6 -2 7 | And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go
down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. (See note on page 1068.)
Anger is like a skunk in the house. Don’t feed it to encourage it to stay. And carefully try to
get rid of it as soon as possible.
• MAT T H E W 5 :2 1 -2 3 | “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder.’
. . . But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! . . . Go and
be reconciled to that person.”
Confront those you are angry with in order to restore your relationship.
Love is the mightiest weapon in overcoming anger.
A
• 1 C O R I NT H I A NS 1 3 :5 | [Love] is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
• PR O VE R B S 1 1 :2 9 | Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. (See note on
To knowingly provoke your family to anger weakens the binding force—love—that bonds
your family together. The control you seek actually enslaves you.
What causes God to get angry?
• R O MA NS 1 :1 8 | But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people
who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
• DE U T E R O NO MY 4 :2 5 | “Do not corrupt yourselves by making idols of any kind. This is evil
in the sight of the Lord your God and will arouse his anger.” (See note on page 163.)
God cannot wink at or tolerate sin, for sin is a violation of his righteousness and his demands
for holy living.
• J U DG E S 2 :1 2 -1 4 | They abandoned the Lord. . . . This made the Lord burn with anger
against Israel.
God’s anger at our sin may result in discipline. The discipline is not designed to destroy,
but to correct, redirect, and restore our relationship with him.
How can I stop God’s anger against me?
• 2 C H R O NI C L E S 1 2 :1 2 | Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger was turned
away. (See note on Humility on page 393.)
Humility before God quenches his anger.
• PSA L M 3 0 :5 | For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Recognize God’s discipline, stop your sinful actions, and enjoy a restored relationship
with him.
• C O L O SS I A NS 3 :1 2 -1 5 | Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must
clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
. . . Forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive
others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love. . . . And let the peace that comes from Christ
rule in your hearts.
Confess your sins, commit to following God with all your heart, and clothe yourself with
the character traits of God.
HelpFinder
page 568.)
• E PH E SI A NS 6 :4 | Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them.