Anger Issues! | Proverbs 20:22, 22:24-25, 1 Peter 3:8-9 | Hotel For Fools

So, we’re going to be having a little anger management class this week. We’re going to look at what the Bible says about anger. It warns us in a bunch of different places not to be angry, and for good reason, and we’re going to study a couple different people in the Bible who dealt with anger. Let’s get started!

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Transcription:

Hello. Welcome to Anger Management. Just kidding, sort of. Welcome to the Bible for Busy People. I’m Erica, your host, and I don’t know if you remember last week, it feels like a long time ago already, doesn’t it? We talked about how reading the Bible when you’re lonely can make you feel less lonely by about 30%. Well, in the same study they have now proven that if you are feeling angry and you read the Bible, you are angry feelings drop by 32%. So, we’re going to be having a little anger management class this week. We’re going to look at what the Bible says about anger. It warns us in a bunch of different places not to be angry, and for good reason. We’ll dive into that in just a moment. And we’re going to study a couple different people in the Bible who dealt with anger.

Tomorrow we’re going to tell the story of Cain, who you might know. One of the first people to ever live on this earth, and boy oh boy did he battle anger. But before we begin, I want to pray because this is a pretty serious topic. I mean, every week as you and I dive into the Word of God, we take it seriously. I pray before I start recording the podcast episode, but I want to invite you to join me in prayer right now, because usually anger is rooted in unforgiveness. And if you are like me, there are a couple of people who you find it hard to forgive. And so, let’s start this study about anger in the Bible with prayer.

Father, we come to you in the mighty name of Jesus. Lord, thank you for your mercy on us. Thank you for your goodness to us. Lord, my friend and I, we are struggling today with wanting to forgive someone, or someone’s. Lord Jesus. You know all of the stories, we don’t have to recount them to you. You know the things that press on our hearts. You know the thorns that prick our spirits. So right now, I pray for the desire to forgive the people in our lives who have hurt us. Lord, open our hearts to your word and what it says on this very important subject. Guide us by your Holy Spirit. Lord, we pray in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

Okay, join me now in Ecclesiastes chapter seven. We’re going to read verse nine together. But before that, if you’re like, what in the world does Ecclesiastes mean? Well, it’s actually a translation of the Hebrew word coheleth. And yes, I just looked it up, which can simply mean a preacher. The Book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, one of the wisest people who ever lived, and in this book, he ponders the purpose of life. What does it all mean for our purposes today? We’re going to be camping out on Ecclesiastes seven, nine. Here we go. Are you ready?

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry. For anger lodges in the heart of fools.

And that’s why I named today’s episode a Hotel for Fools. How often have I put up, so to speak, anger in my heart? Laid out the guest towels, the nice ones, put a fresh bouquet of flowers on the nightstand for my guest, “anger?” I bet you have too. I’m sure there is a person in your life who triggers feelings of anger. I know if you’re like me, it can be so difficult, because you can forgive the past, but when something keeps happening in the present, it brings back the offenses of the past and it’s hard to juggle that. And it’s easy to be quick to become angry. But there is a remedy for that and the remedy is unforgiveness.

My dear friend Katie’s mom, I call her Grandma Helen, always says, “Step out of bed in the morning and before you put your feet on the floor, say I forgive and put the person’s name in that space. Say it every day until you start to feel it.” The Lord will work on your heart. Kind of like, have you ever seen a baker kneading dough? And they just keep kneading the dough until it becomes the right texture to bake it. The Lord’s hands are gentle. He is the potter, we are the clay. We are in his hands. And so, today I invite you to kick anger out the door. “Say, here are your bags. Get out of here,” and invite love and forgiveness into your heart. Let’s each open a love hotel. Roll out the red carpet for feelings of love. Right? Okay, join me now in Proverbs 22 verses 24 and 25. Again, king Solomon wrote most of the proverbs.

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

So right there, the Lord is warning us. Anger is a trap. It’s like in Star Wars, remember? It’s a trap. Stay away from it. Stay away from angry people. Alright, Proverbs 20 verse 22 now.

Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

We did a study on this late last year. Forgiveness is not letting a person off the hook. It’s putting them on God’s hook. Leave it in his hands and you’re going to find peace in your heart instead of anger. Okay, as we wrap up today, let’s hang out with the apostle Peter for a hot second. In first Peter chapter three, beginning in verse eight.

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

Let’s just circle back to Proverbs 20:22.

Don’t say, I will get even for this wrong. Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

In exercising forgiveness, you’re doing something else. You’re working out another muscle too; trusting the Lord. Alright. Woo. I’m psyched for this study. Until next time, you are really loved.

Thank you for making time for the Bible for Busy People today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So, if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today, or you are ready to take that next step with God. I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and thrive in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.