But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16 ESV)
Anger and Hope
We become angry when we choose to become angry. Anger does not happen to us… we get angry and then usually justify it. Foolishly, we think we deserve to be angry. We think that it is our right. We think that we need to be angry.
But anger is a desire of the flesh.
While we like to cling to the idea of righteous anger, rarely is our anger of that sort. Our anger usually is the result of selfishness. Our anger usually is the result of greed. Our anger usually is the result of frustration.
And Paul, looking ahead, gives us hope of getting rid of anger.
He writes that if we ‘walk by the Spirit’ we can walk away from our selfishness.
Since anger is a common issue, it is worth noting how to follow Paul’s instructions.
I believe, in this case, walking by the Spirit involves these concepts.
a) Remember your salvation. Like the man who was forgiven much, (Matthew 18:21-35) we need to be constantly aware of our humble state before God. Remembering what God has forgiven us nudges us away from anger, and towards forgiveness.
b) Be open to the Spirit applying God’s Word. Particularly regarding loving others (I John 4:19-21) and patience. (I Thessalonians 5:14) God’s Word provides guidelines to assist us in overcoming anger.
c) Admit that our anger is unrighteous. We spend too much time convincing ourselves that sin is not sin. To overcome our anger, admit the sin in it. (Isaiah 5:20) Even if it is not wholly sinful.
d) Ask daily to see things God’s way. He is the definer of all reality. Lining up with HIM is exactly what wisdom is. (James 1:5) Since He poured all of His wrath on Jesus, we can choose to dismiss our anger, too.
If you are mired in anger, God gives hope that your anger can be overcome.
Take the hope God gives you.