I’m enjoying a short, little book by author, June Hunt, entitled “Anger: Facing the Fire Within.” June wrote it in 2013 and Hope for the Heart published it. Pick it up! You or someone you know may have anger issues. June gives terrific definitions, characteristics, causes, and steps to solution for anger. 

Not all anger is bad in fact God gets angry at sin and God cannot sin. We are made in His image so it stands to reason that anger is a basic character quality in every human being. To be fair, we should become angry at sin, just like God. Lynette Hoy has written a book entitled, “What’s Good About Anger?” The answer is much. We should become righteously angry at human trafficking and the mistreatment of human beings made in the image of God. We should become angry at graft, corruption, and lying by those in positions of power and authority. In short, we should become angry at sin in ourselves and others.

Consider what the Bible says about anger, “Be angry yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:26-27). It is possible to be angry and not sin. We call that righteous anger. It’s anger at sin. Most of our anger, however, is rooted in frustration, fear, and violation of perceived rights. It is not rooted in the righteousness of God.

Notice, too, that the Biblical passage exhorts us not to "let the sun go down on your anger." Does that mean if we are in a contentious discussion with our spouse that we should get it resolved before sunset? That would be nice but seldom happens. I believe God is asking us to choose to set our angry feelings aside and get some sleep. A boundary for difficult discussions should be set at no later than 9:00 p.m. After that time, things deteriorate rapidly and nothing productive will be accomplished. Sometimes sleeping on an issue and addressing it in the morning might allow you to calm down and talk through the conflict more constructively.

Finally, notice the connection between anger and the devil. Unrighteous anger gives the devil an opportunity. How so? He can tempt us to speak angry words which we will regret. He can tempt us to do angry acts which we will regret. He can tempt us to think hateful thoughts which we will regret. He can tempt us to sever relationships which we will regret. Anger puts out a welcome mat for the devil and invites him into our lives.

Asking the Lord to make me “slow to anger” (Proverbs 14:29),

Irv