Daily Thought For May 30, 2014

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Self-Control


BE ANGRY, AND YET DO NOT SIN; DO NOT LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON YOUR ANGER. Although this is a biblical command, anger is treated as taboo in many Christian circles. Repression of this normal, human emotion is neither righteous nor healthy; in fact, it can lead to serious problems. If you fail to recognize your anger, you are likely to let the sun go down on it and take it to bed. This gives the devil an opportunity―a place of entrance into your life. It can also result in various health problems. Therefore, early recognition of these powerful feelings is vital. The command Be angry gives you permission to have such feelings, so you are free to face them openly. You do, however, need to be careful how you express them. 

 The first step is to bring your anger to Me. I will help you discern whether or not it is legitimate. If it is, then I will help you figure out what to do about it. Anger can be a signal that something is wrong and needs to be addressed. Sometimes, though, your wrathful feelings are based on distortions: misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Recognizing such distortions can be very freeing. If you have not acted on these feelings in hurtful ways, you can simply release them. However, if you have dealt with your anger in sinful ways, you will need to ask forgiveness of Me and anyone else you have hurt. 

 Remember that I came to make you free. Dealing with anger in a responsible way frees you to live abundantly, enjoying My Presence more fully. 

 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. ―EPHESIANS 4:26-27 

 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. ―PSALM 51:4 

 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 

JOHN 8:32
from Jesus Lives by Sarah Young pp. 320-321

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