New Testament Verses
December, 2009 Newsletter Righteous Anger vs Sinful Anger
    Most of our anger is not righteous anger; instead it is old-fashioned irritation at the circumstances of our life. Thus we need to look at some New Testament teachings and begin a commitment to change our perspective and provide spirit-filled response to our emotions.

V  James 1:19“Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Whether at work, home, or with our friends we need to listen more and speak less.

V  James 1:20 For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.” A reminder that our anger does not work with bringing “thy kingdom come”.

V  Colossians 3:8 “Put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth.” & Ephesians 4:31 “You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling and evil and slanderous talk.” Both of these verses are great reminders that along with anger comes malice and bitterness, as well as slander and usually abusive language. Realize abusive language is just not sworn words, but words that are demeaning and negative to the receiving person.

V  Ephesians 4:24 “Be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger.” Make this a life verse for your spouse, family, and others. For when we are quick to forgive and reconcile, then we prevent bitterness and resentment from building.  This verse goes along with one of my life verses: Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you (me), be at peace with all men.”