‘Love…is not easily angered…’ (1 Corinthians 13:5)
A rocket has the potential of going into space. However, if the energy is let out too quickly, it’s just a big bomb! Likewise, anger can be used for good if it is kept under control. In Proverbs, we read,
‘Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.’ (Proverbs 14:29)
Lashing out verbally or physically is unwise and sinful, James writes:
‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.’ (James 1:19-20)
‘Human anger’ is about quick anger that lashes out. We are not to be like petrol that flares up. Rather, we are to be ‘Slow to become angry’; quick anger does not produce ‘the righteousness that God desires’.
Quick anger is inconsiderate. It breaks relationships. Quick anger only leads to regret. It sets a terrible example. On top of this, if we are defensive and unresponsive when people challenge us, people become wary of bringing challenge and correction to us in the future.
RESPONSE
Anger is like a firework: You strike the match first and then you have a choice whether or not to touch the fuse and then things get out of control. When your match is lit - when anger flares in your heart - take time to let is go out. You could take a time-out of the situation. Don’t respond in the moment. Seek to understand and respect someone who may be annoying you. Always give time before responding to an email or something online. We can be angry about the right things, however, a quick, unconsidered response, is unloving.
Â
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Â
2. Icebreaker
Do you have any encouragements to share from how God has been speaking to you from His word recently?
Â
3. Recap of Sunday's message - please share in your group
On Sunday, we continued with our series 'Becoming Love' from the book of 1 Corinthians, looking at the next aspect of love.
Please read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Last week we looked at how 'love is not rude or self-seeking'. This week, we are considering the next attribute of Christian love: 'Love…is not easily angered…’
There are innumerable things which tempt us to anger and I’m sure that you have your own list, here are a few examples:
The church community is not doing things as you think they should.
A neighbour whose behaviour is inconsiderate?
A member of the church who does that annoying thing?
A child who will not behave as you would like? They won’t listen to wisdom?
A colleague who is creating a bad atmosphere in the workplace?
Not being appreciated for what you do?
People not turning up for things that you’ve organised and you have made the time for.
You are left out of something - a party, baby shower, being a bridesmaid…
You don’t get the grade you think you deserve or the praise and bonus at a work review.
A car or a bicycle cuts in on you and you are outraged.
War and atrocities in the world - The war in Ukraine, I’m sure, makes us all angry.
Society promoting sinful ideas and practices that we see as harmful.
i. LOVE IS NOT EASILY ANGERED
‘Love’ (Agapé) is to give regardless of merit or demerit and is not dependent upon emotion. This cannot be expressed in uncontrolled outrage! In essence, Christian love is to treat people as God treats us. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve and He sent His Son to save us.
ii. THERE IS UNGODLY AND GODLY ANGER
We see in the Bible that God does get angry. There is godly and ungodly anger. We can simply be angry about the wrong things. We can be angry about the right things. We can be angry about the right things but in the wrong way. God wants to teach us to deal with anger in the right way and allow it to be a force for good rather than destruction.
iii. GODLY ANGER IS SLOW ANGER
A rocket has the potential of going into space. However, if the energy is let out too quickly, it’s just a big bomb! It's right to be angry about the right things, but this is to be prayerfully and thoughtfully expressed. As James writes:
‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.’ (James 1:19-20)
iv. DEFUSE YOUR ANGER
Finally, it's really important, that we go into our day filled with God's peace rather than full of worry and anger. At the beginning of each day, may we do as Paul encourages us:
‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:4-7)
Kommentare