Coker UMC

April 7, 2010

Justifiable Anger

Anger is one letter short of danger. Anonymous

"Anybody can become angry, that is easy. But to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time for the right purpose and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power and is not easy." Aristotle

You may be angry, so long as you do not sin. Ephesians 4:26

All of the above can be correct. There is indeed great danger in being angry because, as Aristotle points out, humans are very poor at controlling, directing and using anger. Add to that Paul's permission to be angry BUT only if we do not sin in the process and we leave ourselves wondering if there is ever a set of circumstances when a righteous anger is not only permissible but is also the correct emotion to feel.
Weren't Americans right to be angry after 9/11 ? Shouldn't you be angry if someone steals your car? What if your neighbor will not mow his lawn? After all, even God gets angry from time to time, and if He is sinless, then there must be some anger that is alright with God. Right? What are the Biblical guidelines for anger? That's what this lesson will focus on, so read on, be honest about what you learn, and most importantly...don't get angry! Enjoy!

Numbers 11:1-3
Psalm 30:5
Psalm 103:8
Psalm 37:8
James 1:19-20
Proverbs 14:29

Sneek peek at next week : SETBACKS - Our bad luck or God's provision?