Today’s Scripture: Psalm 4:4; Proverbs 13:10
The Bible does give us permission to express anger, providing we don’t commit sin in the process. The difference is WHY we become outraged. Some people call it “righteous indignation.” For example, Jesus was incensed when he saw the money-changers in the temple. He was concerned, not for Himself, but for the protection of His Father’s House.
We might be angry about legal abortion and the death of millions of innocent babies. That’s a righteous cause. But, those times when anti-abortion zealots decide to bomb an abortion clinic or gun down an abortion doctor are examples of uncontrolled anger—which often leads to long-regretted decisions.
What causes anger? If you really think about it, pride is at the base. It manifests when we think our opinion or self-esteem are more important than others’. Pride is the protective shield that guards our the. Pride leads to stubbornness, and stubbornness clouds our rational thinking.
For example, what’s really behind road rage? It’s the attitude that I’m more important than you are and you need to get out of my space. What about rudeness to customer service agents? We’re think we’re more important than any other customer and the agent has no right to infringe on my time and cause me inconvenience. And sometimes, we express anger just because we want to protect our right to be right.
The Psalmist said, “In your anger do not sin. When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” Solomon admonished, “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
- How else do you see pride playing into anger?
- What are times when anger is the proper emotion to show?