ANGER & JEALOUSY
Did you know that Jesus got angry? His anger was righteous anger because He never sinned. In the same way we can have “righteous anger.”
However, sinful anger can be very deceitful when we use it to strike out and demand our own way. Anger and jealousy are tools Satan commonly uses to cause hatred and division.
Pray humbly to the Lord that you will not fall to these temptations. The Lord is able to free us from this bondage if we pray boldly in faith!
Forgive those who sin against you.
READ SCRIPTURE
MATTHEW 5:43-45, NIV
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous”
EPHESIANS 4:26-27, NIV
26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
27 and do not give the devil a foothold.”
LIVE IT
If you have a Christian friend in your life, discuss your responses together to the following questions. You might also consider writing out your thoughts in a journal.
– Remember that Jesus was without sin, but He still got angry at times. Where is there a place for righteous anger in your life? (Review Matthew 21)
– In what area of my life is anger causing the most harm?
– Will I believe in the Lord to help me forgive others, release my bitterness, and grow in God’s love? How can I take a step toward this today?
PRAYER
“Father, I confess that at times I am in bondage to anger and jealousy. Please forgive me, help me change. I ask that you root out any bitterness in my life. I trust your power to release me from unrighteous anger and jealousy. I praise you for your loving grace and mercy upon my life. Amen.”
