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When people we deeply love are angry and we can hear irritation in their voice, and see it on their face, and in their actions, what do we do? Do we fight back? Do we get nasty and say things that will cut deep in an effort to somehow maintain control of the situation?

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 13:34 (NKJV)

No! We are not expected to return like for like. We are called to a higher level of behaviour. We are to model Christ to those around us.

What does the Bible tell us about how we should deal with anger and bitterness in our lives and how to respond to it when it presents in those we love.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)

If it is us who are exhibiting anger, we are to renounce the spirit of anger and all of its associates – rage, malice, brawling and slander. We ask the Lord for forgiveness. We evict these spirits by commanding them to leave in Jesus name. We ask the Holy Spirit to fill the spaces they left behind. We ask the person we have hurt to forgive us.

If it is our loved one, friend or colleague, displaying anger we are to love them. We are to kindly reach out and let them know they are way too awesome to be acting like this. We remember Christ forgave us and we must forgive them too. We don’t judge them and hold this situation against them. We let it go, just as Jesus’ blood covered all our sins.

So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,  leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT)

This is counter cultural. It is Kingdom Culture. When we respond like this in challenging situations it will change atmospheres. It will affect all involved.

Danny Silk in his book Culture of Honor has some excellent advice. I recommend you read it. I am not affiliated with, nor do I receive any payment from Danny Silk or his publishers.

I’d love to hear how any of you have responded to anger in the past and how you were able to forgive.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog. If you’d like to leave a comment or subscribe, please fill out the section below. I’d love to hear about your journey walking with the Lord. If you’d like to message me privately please email admin@jesus4generations.com.

Resources:

John 13:34 NKJV – A new commandment I give to you, that – Bible Gateway

Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and – Bible Gateway

Matthew 5:23-24 NLT – “So if you are presenting a sacrifice – Bible Gateway