Imagine this. You’re hanging out at home when a bull blasts through the back door, crashes into the kitchen, hurtles down the hallway, and then rockets around the living room. That happened to a family in Aachen, Germany. Before the homeowner finally opened the front door and allowed it to escape, the bull had caused more than $16,000 in damage.
When I picture the bull’s rampage, it reminds me of the way anger can suddenly be set loose, ricochet from person to person, and leave emotional wreckage in our homes. Its damaging power is to be avoided: “Don’t sin by letting anger control you” (Ephesians 4:26).
James gave us some practical advice on how to get a grip on our anger. He started by saying we should be “quick to listen” (v.19). Groan. That just feels so unnatural. But swift listening gives us a chance to discover what’s really going on. Was my child disrespectful, or just being a kid? Did my husband really mean that, or did I misunderstand? How much of this situation is my fault?
Once we train ourselves to be nimble listeners, we have to practice slow speaking. This poky approach to stating our case gives us time to pray for self-control and to form an appropriate response. After all, “a gentle answer deflects anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Being slow to speak implies that we have chosen to rein in the destructive power of our words.
Finally, if anger is inevitable, James advises us to override our explosive impulses and to be slow to let it grow. And there’s a good reason for this. He goes on to state, “Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires” (1:20).
Like a bull on the loose, untamed anger is dangerous. When we see it approaching, it’s up to us to listen quickly, speak slowly, and sidestep its rampage.
More:
• Exodus 34:6
• Proverbs 22:24
• Ecclesiastes 7:9
Next:
When you become angry, how can you prevent your emotions from controlling you? What’s the value in being slow to get angry?
ufooulotu on May 1, 2009 at 6:22 am
God bless you Jennifer. Untamed anger is even more dangerous than a raging bull. I regret decisions that I made while angry. This passage is a very good lesson to a growing Christian.
untamed anger is deadly. Sometimes it has led to genocide. We must refrain from it, despite the fact that the devil is showing us so many reasons to get angry and vindictive.
Any Christian is obliged to show a good example of tamed anger.
jennifer benson schuldt on May 1, 2009 at 2:57 pm
You know, even today I found myself angry at some circumstances my family is going through. I realize that I need the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome that anger and help me pipe down! Untamed anger is dangerous and it’s tempting to just go with it and walk around grumbling and irritated. I’m so thankful that God has given us guidelines for Christian living! Priase Him. 🙂
ufooulotu on May 1, 2009 at 6:26 am
They say, “He who angers you controls you”
Mark L on May 1, 2009 at 9:45 am
When uncircumcised philistines want to pass laws that tell us we can not share our faith with others, we can not pray in public, the name of Jesus is no longer to be used in prayer, use Allah instead. Pass laws trying to forbid Pastors to preach against depravity calling their message a hate crime. In my flesh I cry out, Lord call down fire on these people who rage against you. Luke 9:51-56 then I suffer a rebuke from the Lord. The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. Who are these people who rage against God? Don’t they know the blood of future generations is on their hands by suppressing the gospel? These things make me angry not quite the bull in the china shop angry and my anger calls me to more fervent prayer. Lord I pray for wisdom to spread the Gospel, Strength to endure and the Grace to rest and trust in you, Oh Lord.