Bethany Lutheran Church issued the following announcement on April 6
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger or man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20
God’s word is good and it is true. It tells me exactly how I am to be. But I must stand before this word today and be honest: this does not describe me.
I listen long enough to decide if I like what is being said or not. I very easily do not put the best construction on what is said, but am quick to judge. If I don’t like what is said, I’m quick to anger in my heart. And I can even be angry about being angry. And as the word says, my anger does not bring up God’s righteousness. I know this verse. I have read it before. Even in the midst of anger I can have clarity to remember this verse, but to no avail. I remain angry.
I would like to blame all of this on stress and circumstance. I would like to believe that this is not who I am normally that I am struggling with this because things are uncertain right now. But this is not the case. This is who I am. This uncertain time just gives opportunity for my true heart to be revealed, as God brings His refining fire. But now that it is shown, can anything be done to change this?
I know Someone who is not easily angered. I know Someone who is quick to listen. I know Someone who hears what I have to say and knows exactly my true motivations. I know Someone who will not respond to me in defensive sarcasm. “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). And this same person can change me. He can take away all that is wrong with me. He can take this anger into Himself, because He was willing not only to endure my anger, but also the wrath of the Father in heaven. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). Our wounds, whether caused by our own foolishness or the foolishness of others can find their healing in His wounds. Jesus is the One I refer to. He is my rescuer. He is the calmer of my soul, the peace giver in times of uncertainty. Only He can purge me of my anger and give me peace.
If you are angry today, I commend you to Him. Gaze upon Christ’s sacrifice and He will melt your anger away!
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up