We all get mad at times and the great danger in anger is that it can easily lead you to sin. That’s why you need to catch yourself and cool off as quickly as possible before you mess things up. God addressed anger in two separate situations in the Bible with a question.
The Bible has two key accounts where God challenges angry people directly with questions:
Why are you angry? Is it right to be angry?
We can use these questions to check our own anger.
Cain’s Anger
And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” 8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. (Gen 4:2-8 – ESV)
Cain was angry because God accepted his brothers offering but not his own. God tried to help Cain deal properly with his emotions by asking, “Why are you angry?”
God’s question was to accomplish two key things in Cain. First, it was to get Cain to realize he was angry for no good reason. Second, asking a question for Cain to ponder should have helped Cain to take a minute to think instead of acting impulsively in anger and sinning.
Unfortunately, Cain ignored God and went out and killed his brother and ruined his own life in the process. Don’t be like Cain.
Jonah’s Anger
God called Jonah to warn the city of Nineveh or God’s upcoming judgement to get them to repent. The city did repent but Jonah got angry about it and that God spared the city. God asked Jonah this simple question about his anger:
“Is it right for you to be angry?” (Jnh 4:4)
Check Yourself Next Time You are Angry
God challenged angry people in Scripture with two questions:
“Why are you angry?”
“Is it right for you to be angry?”
When you become angry, give yourself a timeout before saying or doing anything. During that time out, ask yourself those questions. “Why am I angry?” Like Cain, more than likely, you are angry for no good reason or should even be angry at yourself. Also ask yourself, “Is it right for me to be angry?”
Think about God’s warning to Cain: sin is lurking, ready to devour you when you’re angry.
If Cain had stopped to talk with God, answer His question, and looked at himself, his entire life would have turned out differently. Anger can ruin your life and your family if you don’t handle it properly.
Think about it:
How do you typically handle your anger?
What should you do when you get angry?
What situations or people typically get you angry?
Why do they make you mad? Is it right for you to be angry? Do you overreact or sin in anger?
What can you learn about yourself from your anger?
Take time out now to talk with God about those things or people and ask Him for help so you won’t get angry in the first place.
Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. (Ps 4:4 – ESV)
Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm. (Ps 37:8)
The next time you are angry, take a timeout to answer God’s questions: “Why are you angry?” and “Is it right to be angry?”
BIBLE DEVOTIONS FOR LIVING 