It's OK To Be Angry 5/11/2021

 Good Morning,

I am starting a little late today. Yesterday ran long into the night leaving a little tired today. I am surrounded by our two Springer Spaniels who both want to sleep on my feet. This cup of Door County Tanzanian Pea Berry Coffee never tasted as good as it does today.

Ephesians 4:26 "Be angry, but do not sin; Do not let the sun go down on your wrath."

Psalm 37:8 Cease from anger, forsake wrath, it only causes harm.

As I survey people from afar and up close and personal' I am viewing people who are normally subdued and calm, becoming more and more angry all the time. They aren't content with life, thrilled by the politics of yesteryear or of today. A dispute over a parking space recently ended up in gunfire. Respect seems to be a word that was retired from the dictionary. 

God's word clearly states that we can have a righteous anger over things. I will give an example. Last year there was a little child that was beaten so badly by other children, the child died from the injuries. This made me upset and angry as I am sure it did for other people. But in God's instructions on anger He tells us we can have anger , but the anger cannot cause us to sin. So if someone were so angry with those who beat the child and went out and administered what they see as justice by beating the other kids to death, this would be outside of our laws and be a sin. Do not repay evil with evil.

In this case we can be angry, but put our anger to action like praying for everyone impacted by this terrible event. You might even volunteer at a youth center, working to teach kids right from wrong. 

Our anger needs to be a righteous anger, which is a hard line to follow, but it is in your best interest and the interest of others if you don't let the anger control you, and cause you to respond in a way that causes more harm or in a way that you will regret later. 

Today cease from anger. Search for peace within. Take time before responding to any event that makes you upset. Time spent praying and reading God's Word will lead you to a different response than the first on that came to mind. Forsake wrath.  Stop. Have an ice cream cone. Enjoy the time as you cool down.

God Bless,

Marty