fruit of the Spirit

A Moment in Time Susan Rios

"For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God" James 1:20

Experience has taught me that anger will get me nowhere. I've heard countless times and have been guilty of saying phrases like--"He made me so mad"..."I finally just exploded"..."I couldn't help being so mad." It's as if we rationalize this sin with the behavior of others.

"the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..." Galations 5:22-23 I wonder if the volcano of anger is planted by Satan. Obviously it's not from God.

"The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning."A soft turneth away wrath." Proverbs 16:21 If we can't be kind and free of anger, then we should be quiet. If the conversation is frustrating or causing us to feel contention, we ought to change the subject or leave the area. "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1 "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:" Proverbs 22:24 "An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression" Proverbs 29:22

God makes it clear that we are to learn to control our emotions including anger. We are to avoid contention and contentious individuals. Contending about religion is especially forbidden. Why? It doesn't make sense to use a tool of Satan to try to convince others about Jesus Christ.

I feel better, when I don't allow myself to get angry. Maybe it's hail the conquering hero or something. More than likely it's the Father whispering, well done thou good and faithful servant. "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men." 1 Corinthians 14:20