The Destructive Nature of Anger

There are two kinds of anger.
  1. Righteous indignation Eph 4:26-27
  2. Destructive anger Eph 4:31-32
Anger is listed in lists of sinful works of the flesh (Colossians 3:8).
Why is it so destructive?
  1. It destroys families. In Genesis 4:6-8, Cain became jealous of his brother, Able and was angry that his offering was not as pleasing to God as Ables. So he killed Able. A family was torn apart as a result
    1. Anger is an assassin of love. How can anger have a place in the list of good characteristics of love (1 Cor 13:4-8)?
    2. Anger comes from your own desires and selfishness (James 4:1-3).
    3. Anger pulls homes apart when family members don’t keep their proper relationships and selflessness toward each other (Eph 5:22-25).
    4. It separates parents from children when honor is not present in the family and anger isn’t kept in check (Eph 6:1-4).
  2. Anger destroys nations. Pharaoh continually hardened his heart regarding letting the Israelites go. He became increasingly angry over the subject (Exodus 5:1-2) and as a result, plagues came upon Egypt, the firstborn children were lost, and an entire army lost (Ex 14:27-28).
    1. Pro 14:29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
    2. Rom 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
    3. Our nation is suffering because of the destructive nature of anger, violence, road rage, petty bickering in government, and abuse from every demographic toward others.
  3. Anger destroys churches. If Satan had his way, he would destroy a church in any way possible, and he will use anger if he can.
    1. 1Co 3:1-3 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
    2. Gal 5:13-15 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
    3. Not everything is going to go our way. That means we all need to pull together in the same direction and give in to each other because each is striving to have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 1:9-10, Jude 1:20-21). Anger can’t fester in an environment of edification, love, cooperation (Phil 4:1-2).
    4. The only way we can all have the same mind of Christ is for all the members to dwell in the Word of God.
    5. So many problems would be fixed if members would be quick to hear and slow to speak (James 1:19-20).
  4. Anger destroys individuals.
    1. Saul was king of Israel and went along just fine until he became jealous of David and from then on, his anger consumed him (1 Sam 18:9).
    2. Anger leaves us without friends. Pro 14:16-17 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. (17) A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.
    3. Ecc 7:9 Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.
    4. We need reverence instead of rage (Romans 12:19)
    5. Instead of yelling we need yielding (Prov 19:11)
    6. Instead of provocation we need peace (Prov 29:22)
  5. We can learn to control our anger but it is a choice on our part.
    1. We do have a choice. We can’t change if we say, “I can’t help it!”
    2. Exercise self-control (Gal 5:22-223).
    3. Be kind (Eph 4:32).
    4. Talk privately with someone with whom you have a quarrel (Matthew 18:15).
    5. Do not seek revenge (Romans 12:19).
    6. Seek the help of others (Gal 6:2).
    7. Pray (Matthew 5:44).
    8. By forgiveness (Luke 17:3-4).
    9. By love (Matthew 5:43-44).
    10. By being positive (1 Cor 13:7)

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