We do not want to minimize the struggle some people have with bitterness and unforgiveness because of some truly horrific and traumatic experiences. We must be careful of making light of some very deep seated hurts with which some people struggle. Think of some of the Nazi atrocities. They leave deep imprints on our minds, and what of those who experienced them.

IN YOUR ANGER DO NOT SIN…Echoes of Ps 4:4.

Not all anger is sinful. God gets angry, Jesus got angry. It’s what we do with our anger that is so important. Don’t be angry in a sinful way. We see it in our reactions to personal injustice. When we are offended in some way. Personally hurt.

In this life we have all been wronged – and will almost certainly be wronged again.

One of the greatest tests of our Christian life is how we deal with personal injustice, whether perceived or actual.

Some sinful reactions to injustice:-

Rage. Uncontrolled anger. Towering rage; seething with anger; See red; smoldering; exploding. Road rage.

Rejection. Murder the person in concept. Never talk to each other. Family feuds etc.

Vindictiveness. Striking back. You wait and see attitude…You’ll know there is a wild dog around. Spirit of getting even…

Sulking. Way of dealing with anger. Not playing with you…taking my ball and going home. Feeling sorry for yourself. Become touchy; sensitive. Withdraw.

DO NOT LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON YOUR ANGER

Don’t brood on it. Turns into bitterness. We nurse our anger; polish our hurts or hold grudges. Gnaw our bones with each other over personal grievances.

Don’t suppress it.   Don’t bury it. It’ll resurrect. If it goes underground, it will erupt later on like a volcano.

DO NOT GIVE THE DEVIL A FOOTHOLD

Sinful anger opens the door to the Devil.

We lose control of ourselves. “He completely lost it” This anger begins to consume us, and the Devil enters.

We must control our anger. It must not control us. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger…Restore relationship. Work at it.

DO NOT GRIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Recognize what you are doing is sinful. Don’t make excuses or try to justify it in some way. Recognize you are grieving the Holy Spirit. Making way for the Devil.

Remember Jesus. Forgiving…as Christ forgave you. Check out 1Pet 2:18-25

Discussion Questions

• Based on Eph 4:32, why should we be willing to forgive others? Based on Phil 4:13, where do we get the strength to forgive and love others?

• Read  Eph 4: 29-32. What specific sin especially grieved the Holy Spirit? What effect would the Spirits grieving have on a believer or church?

• Carefully read Matt 5: 23-24. What do you think is included in “offering your gift at the alter” in our context? How could we apply this scripture in the life of our church?

• Consider ways we could help those suffering under severe injustices to overcome. James 5:16 speaks of confession to each other and to pray for each other. Have the group discuss and pray in this way.