Senior Living - November 20

And he [the LORD] passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. --Exodus 34:6-7

There was a pastor who experienced one of the most unusual reactions from a church member during the benediction of the service one Sunday morning. A lady who was sitting on the back row pulled a gun on the pastor during the closing prayer claiming he hadn't preached from the book of Revelation that morning like she needed.

The older lady said that a sermon from the eschatological book was very important in the feud she was having with another church member. This story is true, and happened only a few years ago.

Anger is not a sin, when managed correctly and in the way God intends. Even Jesus became angry when he entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling there (Matthew 21:12). But, He had good reason, for what the moneychangers were doing was dishonoring to the Lord (Matthew 21:13).

God doesn't say, "Thou shall NOT be angry." He created the emotion. But, anger is one of the most intense emotions a person can have, and it is one of those that can easily fly out of control. Poorly managed, it can lead to irrational decisions and actions, and even hurt those you love.

Ask yourself, "When I get angry—do I act positively or react negatively?" If you react, then there is a problem in your control of the emotion. We are to become angry, managed in a healthy way, when we see things that are displeasing to the Lord. When you see your anger begin to turn to destruction—stop! Give it to Jesus and learn to handle it in a way that is pleasing to Him.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to help you keep your anger controlled and positive, seeking only to honor Him in all that you do. 

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