Not to be overcome with anger
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord... In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:4-5, 8
It is easy to lose your calm once you felt that you were slighted. There may be some valid reasons as to why you might lose your temper on something that was done to you or ugly words uttered to you. Yet, as a child of God, you are reminded to respond in a different way. You are commanded to no let your anger seep through to you that it will affect your reasoning. You are not to allow anger to gnaw inside that it will break out to actions that are not consistent to a Christian. “And “don’t sin by letting anger control you” (Ephesians 4:26). From the text, the Psalmist provided a way not to resort to anger that might lead you to sin. A better way to deal with it is to come to God and ask Him how to deal with your emotions. The Lord Jesus Christ lived His life to set an example to everyone who wants to overcome anger. This is what the Apostle Peter learned when he was with Christ. He himself struggled with anger that he resorted to cutting off the ear of the one asked to arrest Jesus (John 18:10). Christ demonstrated how one should respond when despised. “He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly” (1 Peter 2:23). Anger is difficult to deal with even among Christians. James referred to this when he said, “No one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” (James 3:8-10). God’s command is not to be overcome with rage but instead let His righteousness pervade your mind and your heart. “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires” (James 1:19-20). When anger starts to simmer in your heart, do not let it overcome you, instead surrender it to God. “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
Blessings.
