Dealing with Unresolved Anger

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Dealing with Unresolved Anger

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3.29.15

Ephesians 4:26-27;31-32

{a little backstory} Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus brings to light timeless encouragement in avoiding grieving the Holy Spirit. Part of his encouragement focuses on dealing with anger, not leaving it unresolved and putting it in its proper place.

{keywords} Anger– a strong emotion of irritation, agitation, or hostility that occurs when a need or expectation is not met. It is an upsetting emotional reaction to an assumed “right” that has been violated or not fulfilled.

{an in depth study} Verse 26 – Paul teaches that anger does not have to result in sin. Therefore, it is not a sin to be angry, but our anger can lead to sin. We are in encouraged to not allow the day to conclude without addressing our anger. From this we can see that anger that is left unresolved gives way to the opportunity to sin. Verse 27 – Paul concludes the thought in verse 26 with a warning to not give an opportunity to Satan. Unresolved anger is a great opportunity to Satan to tempt us to sin against God and grieve His Spirit within us. Verse 31 – Paul commands that we put away bitterness, wrath, anger, malice and evil speaking. Actions from these activities are not pleasing to God. The proper place for each of these is away from the follower of Christ. Verse 32 – Christ followers are to treat others with compassion and forgiveness. This emulates what is done with us through Christ. The forgiveness we receive through Christ should be a motivator to seek reconciliation and offer forgiveness to others. This ultimate forgiveness pales in comparison to the forgiveness we are commanded to extend to others.

All  Scripture  references  taken  from  NKJV  unless  otherwise  noted.  ©  2013  Rockwall  Friendship  Baptist  Church  |  www.RockwallFriendship.org  

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{questions for personal reflection} Do you find it necessary for someone to acknowledge fault before you can forgive them? Do you feel that a person has to be worthy of your forgiveness? Do you feel forgiveness does not hold a person accountable for their actions? What do you stand to lose by holding on to unresolved anger?

{practical application for your life} Make confronting anger priority – Scripture says that we are not to allow the sun to set on our anger. Prompting us to address the matter immediately to prevent Satan the opportunity to lead us into rebellion against God. By putting anger away, we take away his opportunity to invade our lives and relationships. Restore the relationship (when appropriate) – As much as possible and dependent upon us we should seek to restore the relationship. Reconciliation means to restore harmony and peace. We are called upon in scripture to live and seek peace with others. However, it may not be possible to or appropriate to restore all relationships. We should see God’s word and rely on the guidance of His Spirit in restoring relationships. Reflect the love of Christ – As Christ has been compassionate toward us and forgiven us of our sins, we are to reflect this to others. When we understand the abundance of forgiveness we’ve received, we should have no issue with forgiving others. We’ve not had to endure one moment of God’s wrath, which we rightly deserve and could not withstand. Instead, we’ve enjoyed His inseparable love and unconditional acceptance.

{scripture references} 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”:do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:26-27; 31-32

All  Scripture  references  taken  from  NKJV  unless  otherwise  noted.  ©  2013  Rockwall  Friendship  Baptist  Church  |  www.RockwallFriendship.org