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The Anger Test

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, Ephesians 4:26

Uncontrolled anger is like jumping into a Ferrari, revving the engine, then discovering the brakes don't work. The Bible says, 'Don't sin by letting anger...control...you...[it] gives a...foothold to the Devil.' Did you get that? Uncontrolled anger opens the door to Satan, then it's all downhill from there! So before you say something you'll regret or can't take back, ask yourself:

1) Is my anger appropriate? Some anger is. You can't love roses and not hate weeds. But it's easy to let small stuff like thoughtless comments and cranky kids make you overreact. For anger to have a healthy result it needs to be measured and constructive. This is a control issue! Listen: '...the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace' (Romans 8:6). A controlled response and a gracious response is a Christ-like response. It always wins!

2) Is it really worth dragging other people into? Anger invariably affects those around you because it's only human to take sides, even if you've 'no dog in the fight.' Dragging others in is usually a way to feed our own ego and justify our bad behavior.

3) Is the relief I'll get from venting, worth the aftermath? The Bible says, 'A gentle answer turns away wrath...harsh words stir up anger' (Proverbs 15:1). By sounding off, you usually end up making the finest speech you'll ever regret! By its very nature anger encourages exaggeration. It makes you say things you can't take back. Long after you've moved on, its words maintain their power to wound and divide.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me wisdom to know that anger is not honoring to you, most times! Give me control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen