I read something once that said “Anger is one letter short of Danger.” That makes a very good point. Anger brings with it a lot of danger. Anger leads to all kinds of sin. Murder. Hate. Bitterness. Gossip. Slander. Jealousy. Foul language. Rudeness. Malice. Unfortunately, anger is something we often have to deal with and fight against. That’s why Paul said “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27). Anger opens too many doors for Satan. It gives the devil opportunity to lead us into sin. Paul says not to let that happen.
We’re going to get angry at times. That’s just a fact of life. But it’s what we do with that anger that is the key. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-26, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” In short, Jesus is saying that, yes, we are going to have issues with others but we best handle it the right way. If we let our anger lead us to sinful feelings, thoughts, actions, or words then we will be in trouble with God. God wants us to make peace. Strive for love and forgiveness. A pure and clean heart. As James said in James 1, the anger of man does NOT produce the righteousness of God.
Be angry but do not sin. There is danger in anger. Anger will not help you get to Heaven. We can overcome our anger, but it is going to take self-control. Discipline. Love. Patience. Humility. It is going to take being like Christ. We have to put our big girl and big boy pants on and work hard to get over it. Life is short. We ain’t got time for being angry. And we sure better not sin. So let’s get it together. Let’s get it under control. Don’t let your anger control you; control your anger. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Be angry and do not sin.
A Cord of Blue 