Galatians 5:16-17; 22-23, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But the Holy Spirit produces the kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
The Bible teaches us a lot about anger. It is a common problem, a human emotion that is sometimes hard to control. Anger results from one’s beliefs, feelings, and perceptions against something. It could be an adverse reaction against someone’s incompetency or inefficiency. Others may give into anger from not protecting themselves by overdoing and overworking and then lose all patience from being emotionally stressed out and exhausted (how I can relate to this one). There are numerous reasons we all react without self-control, known as triggers to feeling wronged. However, that is not biblical, and it is not obeying and honoring God, if we examine it by God’s standards. So, how can we produce what Paul calls the fruit in our lives created by the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit gives us the sensitivity to discern our feelings and thoughts. I want to live each day controlled by Him, so I have more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Proverbs 29:11 states, “Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly holds it back. Then Proverbs 19:11 declares, “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” Ask yourself, do others see me as a critical person or an impatient person in light of these two verses on anger? Can’t we all relate? One must discern when correcting wrongs if it is needed and when grace needs to be shown in being a “sensible person” or one with greater wisdom.
I came close to being hit by a car running a red light this week. I admit I reacted angrily, blared my horn at the culprit, and yelled at the driver. But I quickly thanked God for keeping me safe and alert to see that I needed to quickly slow down and stop, even though I had a green light, and let this guilty person not engage with my side of the car in a crash. I am challenged every day to need the Holy Spirit to lead my life so I will experience more joy and freedom from letting Him rule my life. I need to pause and listen because “The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8.
If we think more about having the same attitude Jesus had as Paul taught in Philippians 2:3-4, it will help one with anger, for it says, “Don’t be selfish, don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Lastly, forgive as God forgave you. Use the pause technique in asking the Holy Spirit to give you the right words and attitudes to be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness, portraying a gentle spirit, and be reminded of verses in Scripture to give you a better understanding and wisdom in handling conflict. Nothing is a surprise to God. Be specific when you tell someone you are sorry for what you said or how you said it. Remember God’s mercy to you. Listen more carefully. Ask the right questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead your thoughts and mind so you have a clean heart when squished. Draw on God’s grace and remember to use the pause technique in using Holy Spirit filled self-control over anger.
Listen to Newsboys – Fortress (Official Lyric Video).