Anger is not a sin.

Does that statement shock you? Did you instantly say that anger IS sin?

Paul wrote in his letter to the believers at Ephesus to not sin by letting anger control them. He didn’t say don’t be angry. God has anger. He gets mad! Jesus was angry that day he cleared the temple of merchants, turning over their tables and such. He did not sin, thus, anger is not a sin.

It is what we let anger do in us. Looking at the example of Jesus, some think that he was out of control, just slamming tables over, snatching a whip and driving the people out in a hysteria. Not true. He was deliberate. He was passionate. He was in full control.

When we allow ourselves to be controlled by anyone or anything…any emotion… other than God, we’re smack-dab in the middle of sin. Oops. There it is.

Paul went on further to tell believers to get rid of the anger quickly. The truth is, when we hold onto anger, it affects us physically, emotionally, and mentally. Every decision made – even when we think it’s not – is made through the filter of our anger.

It is in our best interest to let the anger go. No ulcers. No headaches. No having to maintain a grudge. No stress. The key is to deal with our anger quickly. Whatever was said that stung, whatever was done that hurt, deal with it right then. No allowing the wound to fester and grow infected. If you don’t deal with it immediately, choose to just let it go, acknowledging that YOU chose to not deal with it.

No letting that anger take the wheel of your life. Like Elsa said, “Let it GO!” As always, seek God first. He’ll help with the anger.

Oh, and by the way… dealing with your anger doesn’t include yelled words and hand signs from within a closed car.

Coffee, Bible, Journal.