A Moment With Pastor Fred

Why are Americans so mad?  One survey indicated we vent some sort of anger 8-10 times a day. Now that ticks me off! Seriously, anger manifests itself in all shapes, sizes and colors: criticism, annoyance, irritation, frustration, rage, inward seething, outbursts, grouchiness, etc. Sinful anger grieves God, stifles spiritual growth and ruptures relationships.     

Now all anger isn’t sinful. God is an emotional being and exhibits anger. But his anger is holy. Anger is a God-given emotion to solve problems. It stirs us up to act. Whether or not this energy is constructive or abusive is up to us. Godly anger is our response against injustice – usually against someone else who is innocent. Sinful anger is our reaction when we don’t get our way. It is selfishly motivated – that stupid jerk doesn’t know how to drive!   

I think most anger is triggered by unmet expectations. When life doesn’t cooperate with us – when people don’t do what we want them to do, we get angry. Impatience is part of that. When we live on the edge of irritation – we far too often react hastily – and sinfully. Thomas Jefferson counseled, “When angry count to 10 before you speak – if very angry, count to a 100.”  Mark Twain revised that, “When angry, count to 4 – when very angry, swear.”

That’s the world’s advice. We must see God in our daily trials. He’s involved in our daily messes. He wants such trials to make us better not bitter. We must confess our sinful anger. We must ask him to change our angry hearts for that is where all sin resides.