Frankie Says Relax
I don’t even have to ask. I know it’s true. We have all gotten angry at some point in life. It could have been over something really insignificant or something really important. But in that moment, it was important to you — right or wrong. Do you remember the anger you felt? The burning passion inside you that was almost uncontrollable?
James tells you that anger is not from God. It is not what God desires. God desires for us to be love and joy and peace. To show love to others just as Christ loved us. We cannot ever be close to God when we are angry.
I know that anger is something I personally deal with. I have a huge hot button — traffic. There are times when I simply cannot control myself when it comes to reacting to how other people drive out on the roadways. I get so caught up in what they’re doing that I lose sight of not only where I’m going, but who I am in that moment. I’ll have a miniature identity crisis and lose sight of who I am in Christ and who I am trying to be in the world.
It’s hard. I know it is. It’s hard to put aside your burning desires and react in a way that would be pleasing to God. The Bible says that “for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” I have to constantly remind myself that when I am actively pursuing God, when I am seeking him daily and asking for His guidance, I am positioning myself to be ready for those times when anger seeks to control my thoughts and actions.
Yes, I agree it is hard at times to put aside our burning desire and react in a way that pleases God. God gives us free will and sometimes you just want to use it! BUT, we are called to put up with one another, to love one another, to be kind… Thank you for this wonderful message that the Word of God reminds us, convicts us and positions us to react in a way that pleases God:)