Many of us have known of or experienced sinful anger and how it brings destruction to relationships and lives. We have hurt others with our anger and sin. In Genesis Chapter 4 we find Cain in his anger committing sin with devastating consequences. Cain has anger toward God and Abel. He rejects God, deliberately choosing sin after God disciplined and warned him about its dangers! Why is sinful anger so powerfully destructive?
As I look at my life and learn about how others see their lives, I believe struggles with contempt and anger begin in the heart relationship we have with God. We are created to be indwelt by God, and filled with the Holy Spirit. We need God to help us make sense of the fallen world, sin, suffering and His great love for humankind. Apart from God, knowing truth and receiving help in dealing with anger and sin is not possible. We simply cannot compartmentalize our lives or try to live with evil on its terms. In love and faithfulness God calls us to fully surrender to Him. He desires us to receive His gift of freedom to live with, worship and enjoy Him. In His righteousness, mercy and grace it is Jesus who is our only hope and salvation.
Cain was on a downward spiral into sin and death. He had withheld his best from God and did not give true worship or gratitude. He harbored jealousy toward his brother, rejected God and His help, gave himself over to anger and sin, deceived, planned and committed the murder of his brother, lied to God, showed no remorse for his sin, and was most concerned for himself and his consequences.
But we have this hope over sin and death. God saves us with His highest, most supreme love in Jesus Christ as His Cross and resurrection overcomes them both. The Apostle Paul’s words encouraged the church in Corinth and may they encourage us today: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:1-8).
For reflection:
- How can we trust and obey God to help us with anger and sin in our relationships?
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