“Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why is your expression downcast? If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling; but because you have done evil, sin is crouching at your door. It wants to rule you, but you must overcome it."
Genesis 4:6, ESV
“The older brother was so angry that he would not go into the house; so his father came out and begged him to come in. ”
Luke 15:28, TEV
Atmosphere Where Atmosphere Where Anger GrewAnger Grew
Pride, Envy and Resentment -
“Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the
other person to die.” - Malachy McCourt
See the Father’s heart: He went out to them in their anger.
Is God the Father speaking to you about your anger?
Anger Steals LifeAnger Steals Life
Joyful moments, peaceful days, much profitable agreement, a quiet spirit, efficiency, health . . . all lost because we are too angry to respond to the Father’s appeal.
Anger Begets AngerAnger Begets Anger
•Some families are defined by anger
•Some family members express it; some stuff it
•All are damaged by it
How much of your life How much of your life has been wasted because has been wasted because of anger?of anger?
Is Anger Ever Justified?Is Anger Ever Justified?
• When it is righteous: anger at sin, When it is righteous: anger at sin, anger at oppression, injusticeanger at oppression, injustice
• Even righteous anger is dangerous Even righteous anger is dangerous to fallen people like us. to fallen people like us.
• ““Be angry, but do not sin . . .” Be angry, but do not sin . . .” Ephesians 4:26Ephesians 4:26
Contributing ConditionsContributing Conditions
• Broken Boundaries
• Overstressed lives
• Starving Souls
• Abusive relationships
• Betrayal
• Sometimes Fear
• Distorted Thinking
Overcoming Anger- Overcoming Anger- IDENTIFYINGIDENTIFYING
Anger has degrees: –OCCASIONAL –FREQUENT–CONSTANT –CONSUMING
The most severe forms may need special counseling
Justifying anger delays deliverance
Condemning yourself delays deliverance.
Blaming your genetics delays deliverance
Overcoming Anger- Overcoming Anger- DELAYS DELAYS
Overcoming Through ChristEphesians 4:20-24; 26-27;31-32
• Put off and put on: this is the life of repentance.
• Do not let anger lead to sin and give Satan a foothold
• Choose to be kind