Anger

Mar

2024

Power of Prayerful Hands

“I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” (1 Timothy 2:8, NIV)

Importance of Prayer

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. It is the means by which we communicate with our heavenly Father, express our gratitude, make our requests known, and seek his guidance.

In his wisdom, God has chosen to involve us in his work through prayer, inviting us to participate in the unfolding of his plan.

Posture of Prayer

The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of lifting up “holy hands” when we pray. This is not a literal instruction but a metaphor for the attitude and disposition of our hearts.

We are to approach God with reverence, humility, and a desire for reconciliation with him and with others.

Anger and Disputing

Paul warns against praying with anger or disputing in our hearts.

Anger and conflict cloud our judgment and distort our perspective, making it difficult to discern God’s will.

When we harbor resentment or bitterness towards others, it can hinder our ability to pray effectively.

Power of Unity

Instead, Paul encourages us to pray in a spirit of unity and harmony.

When we come together as a community of believers, lifting our voices in prayer, there is a power and effectiveness that transcends our individual efforts.

As we lay aside our differences and focus on our common purpose, God is pleased to work through our collective prayers.

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“One Minute with God”

Mar

2024

Putting Away All Malice

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” (Colossians 3:8)

Examining Our Hearts

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul instructs believers to meticulously examine their hearts and cast off any sins that have taken root. Although we have been made new in Christ, vestiges of our old nature still rear their ugly heads.

As redeemed saints, we must be brutal in ripping out these sins from our lives. Paul lists several specific ones – unchecked anger, raging fury, spiteful malice, abusive speech.

Like persistent weeds, they can quickly overrun our souls if not eliminated.

Malice in Our Midst

Malice is an especially dangerous weed – its roots dig down deep into the soil of our inner being. It springs up slowly, often unnoticed, but silently chokes out the fruit God desires.

This bitter root produces resentment, jealousy, distrust, and hatred towards others.

Even fellow believers can become targets of our malice. We begin viewing them through suspicious eyes, questioning their motives.

We withdraw, murmur, divide. Unchecked, malice metastasizes, poisoning our fellowship. As God’s chosen ones, we must purge this evil from our midst.

Cultivating Clean Hearts

Eradicating malice requires brutal honesty and courage. We must allow the light of Christ to shine into the hidden crevices of our hearts, exposing malicious motives.

Repentance and forgiveness will wash away past offenses.

Moving forward, we must nurture hearts soft to the leading of the Spirit, quick to extend grace. As malice withers in fertile soil of love, joy and peace will blossom, enriching all our relationships.

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“One Minute with God”

Oct

2023

Heart of Forgiveness

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:31)

Call to Transformation

This verse begins with a powerful imperative: “Get rid of.” It’s a call to action, a call to transformation. We must let go of certain negative emotions and behaviors that can hinder our spiritual growth.

Recognizing these hindrances is the first step towards change.

Bitterness and Anger

The verse mentions bitterness, rage, and anger—emotions that can consume us and poison our relationships.

Bitterness is like a root that grows and spreads, leading to anger and rage.

Brawling and Slander

Brawling and slander are destructive behaviors that harm not only others but also ourselves. Engaging in conflicts and spreading falsehoods can have a corrosive effect on our character and community.

Heart of Love

Ultimately, Ephesians 4:31 guides us toward cultivating a heart of love and reconciliation. It reminds us that as Christians, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ’s love.

By letting go of bitterness, anger, and destructive behaviors, we create space for God’s transformative grace to work in our lives and relationships.

Journey of Renewal

As you reflect on this verse, embark on a journey of self-examination and renewal. Be willing to release the burdens of bitterness, anger, and destructive behaviors, allowing God’s love and forgiveness to flow through you.

In doing so, you not only find healing and freedom but also become a beacon of God’s love and grace to those around you.

May

2023

“ANGER” – one letter away from DANGER

As we look at Ephesians 4:26, we encounter a verse that speaks to danger of our emotions getting out of control.

“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”

Anger is a natural human emotion; this verse provides guidance on how to deal with it in a manner that aligns with our faith.

Anger itself is not sinful; it is a response to perceived injustice or wrongdoing. However, when anger is left unchecked and allowed to fester, it can lead to destructive thoughts, words, and actions.

Paul encourages us not to let anger control us, urging us not to sin in our anger. Instead, he advises us to resolve conflicts and reconcile with others before the day ends; great advice indeed!

When we hold onto anger, it not only affects our own well-being but also strains our relationships. By seeking resolution and reconciliation, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s love in our lives.

Learn to process your anger in healthy ways, seeking forgiveness and extending grace to others, the same way that Christ did for you!