by Howard Watson
Uncontrolled emotional outbursts of anger often lead to unhappy
quarrels and fights. People get hurt and relationships are shattered.
Our anger can be harmful both in the short and in the long run.
The Bible contains much about anger. God is angry towards rebellion
and unbelief. God acts to punish sin, in settled anger/wrath against
sin; for sin leads to destruction and death. God acts to stop rebellion
and deadly sin. In His anger(qasteph) against sin God allows diseases/plagues
to come upon His people, to turn them from their unbelief and rebellion,
so they may return to Him for life and blessings.
Yet, we are told in the scriptures to let our anger(thumos, excited
passion of anger) and wrath (orge, deep flowing anger) be taken
away in a clean sweep. See Ephesians 4:31. This is done by yielding
to the Holy Spirit's rule of our spirit. In Colossians 3:8 we are
admonished to put off anger and wrath.
Personal anger and wrath does not make us into peacemakers but it
will lead us to part from one another with bitterness and strife.
We must allow our Father God in Christ to bring light and understanding,
through the warmth of His divine love being poured into our hearts.
Then we handle our emotional hurts in a kind, forgiving and reconciling
approach to our friend or foe. And, finally, human wrath does not
accomplish God's wrath for Him. God alone, in His wisdom, will judge
hurts and sin by His justice and righteousness.
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