~Daily Devotion 10th~

Actions do not begin outwardly with how we treat others or how we handle situations in life. Actions begin in our minds. How we think-out inner attitude, affects what we do, how we act and how we treat others. We will constantly have situations in our lives that we need to learn how to handle. Not all of life is happy or fair. Circumstances will arise when our true character will show through.

"If we could see the inside of a person heart after we have spoke in anger to them. We would see a part that has slowly died, just because we could not keep our mouths shut. Words spoken in anger and harshness are words that never can be taken back." Pastor Pat Aman

In this devotion today we are going to discuss the attitude of Anger, because anger will not only hurt us and keep us from success, but anger will destroy the lives of the people around us.

(Proverbs 15:1-2) says, "A soft answer turns away wrath. But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly. But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness."

ANGER: It is a truth a nature that pollution does not get better by itself. Pollutions and wrong doing spread. If you have a cold and cough near someone, you can spread your germs and make him sick also. But a healthy person cannot spread health by being near you. Such things as anger spread from one person to the next and never make things better. An angry person is easily provoked and easily loses control. He uses a quick temper and cutting words to hurt others. Anyone who knows an angry person wants to stay away from him. It never helps to be angry, for anger never solves any problems. Anger only makes things worse. It shows everyone around you that you cannot control your attitude.

Jesus knew all of the events that were going to happen to Him before they occurred. He knew that Judas would betray Him; He knew that He would be taken prisoner; He knew that He would be beaten, cursed and mocked; He knew that He would go through an unjust trial; He knew He would be crucified on a cross between two thieves. In all of these things He prepared His heart to have the right attitude at all times. He knew that whatever happened to Him was God's perfect will.

The Bible says, " 'Be angry, and do not sin'; do not let the sun go down on your wrath." (Ephesians 4:26)

If you break this verse down into two separate yet integrated parts, lets see what it says. The first part "Be angry, and do not sin." This gives us permission to be angry, but at the same time warns us against being destructive with our anger. Our heavenly Father understands situations will arise where anger is a real and valid response, but we are to handle it responsibility.



(James 1: 19) tell us to "be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath"

Some of us as I use to be, was just opposite of this. We are slow to listen, quick to speak, and extremely quick to blow up.



This, of course, is destructive, not constructive anger. It is an example of "be angry, and sin!"



The second part of our verse "do not the sun go down on you wrath" is equally as crucial. Too often we found that when we go to sleep angry, we wake up angry. What began as a turned back in the bed had grown into a turned heart in the morning.



God promises His love is steadfast and His mercy is new every morning. but after sleeping with anger we find out it is hard to sense His mercy, because we are too busy thinking of those we may have spoken harshly too.

Proverbs 18:21 says,"Death and life are in the power of the tongue. And those who love it, will eats its fruit."

Sometimes in anger we may speak things that brings death to the soul of our wives, husband, children, friends, and our church family. We need to guard our hearts with the Word of God and prayer. We will soon learn that we will not have to eat our own words, if we watch what comes out of our mouth to begin with.



Reserve your sleep for refreshing and renewal. Settle matters at least in your own heart before you close your eyes so that the Holy Spirit might speak to you in the night watches.