Strong spirits: let it go!
Anger towards another, unchecked and nurtured, becomes the same as murder.
Anger and peace are pretty much incompatible. Anger is a legitimate emotion. We all get angry. It's what we do with it that matters. If we can't let go of our anger, we won't experience God's peace. A couple thoughts...
"If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day." the apostle Paul to his friends (Ephesians 4:26)
'But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment..." Jesus to his followers (Matthew 5:22)
Jesus tells us that he has come to fulfill the law. And in the Sermon on the Mount, he tells us that anger towards another, unchecked and nurtured, becomes the same as murder.
These are times when it's easy to get angry. Giving that anger to God, as well as the cause of the anger, are steps towards getting rid of it, and acquiring the peace that God intends for us. After all, God knows the problem, and what to do about it.
Trust Him. Let go of your anger.
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
Most Sunday mornings just before 11 a.m., you can watch Gary live on Zoom. Contact him for a link.
