Listen to this devotion
Seeing Red
In the Word
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly (Proverbs 14:29).
Of the Word
It has many names — annoyed, outraged, irritated, or just plain mad. But whatever we choose to call it, its name is anger, and it can be destructive. Will things that could cause us to be angry come our way? Yes. But we are instructed to be slow to anger as is our loving God. The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8).
The acts of a hasty temper may lead to screaming, door slamming, throwing whatever is handy, or hurling insults — all things that not only hurt others but can hurt us. Unchecked anger can poison our very being and lead us to sin.
God doesn’t want anger to overpower us. Nor does He want us to harbor resentment or hold a grudge. He does give us these words to follow; “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry… (Ephesians 4:26 NIV). God is telling us to let it go!
A Point to Ponder: What anger or resentment in my life do I need to turn over to God?
Walking with my Lord
Lord, I confess I allow anger and resentment to creep into my life. Through Your Holy Spirit help me control my words and actions. I pray in Jesus’ forgiving name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 5/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
