Why So Angry?
I’ll admit it. If someone (or something) pushes just the right button, my last nerve might snap. It could turn into a full-blown, steam-letting moment. It isn’t exactly Hallmark material. I try to keep it together, but sometimes, the “flesh” shows up before the “fruit of the Spirit.” Argh!
Thankfully, Paul the Apostle offers some guidance for me – for us — “still-being-sanctified” types. He wrote, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26–27).
Let’s be honest — anger itself isn’t the problem. Even Jesus flipped tables! The issue is what we do with our anger. Today’s headlines and newsreels are full of people throwing tantrums, bricks, and fists AND yelling like an “Angry Bird”. It’s safe to say the world could use a good therapist and a giant dose of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 6:16–19 lists things the Lord hates — and it’s basically a highlight reel of our nightly news. Lying tongues, wicked schemes, stirring up division. That’s not righteous anger. That’s chaos. And my dear friends, that’s not who we’re called to be.
Yes, anger has a purpose. It can move us to act for justice, to pray deeply, and to speak truth — but only when it’s laced with grace and not driven by rage. Unchecked anger destroys marriages, friendships, and credibility. But, controlled, surrendered anger? That’s what can spark change!
Here’s the deal: I want to live in peace. Not just “holding-my-breath-until-it’s-over” peace, but the kind Jesus gives — the kind that calms storms on the outside AND inside.
So, I do heart checkups. I ask God to calm me before I comment, to guide me before I complain, and to help me forgive before bitterness hits a home run in my soul!
Psalm 37:8 says, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret — it leads only to evil.”
Want peace? Then we need to invite God into our frustrations. Let Him teach us to breathe before reacting, to pray before posting, and to forgive before exploding.
And maybe — just maybe — next time our nerves get poked, we’ll be the peacemakers instead of the table flippers.