Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Psalm 145:8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
ANGER
We like to be around people who don't get angry easily. They're patient with us, putting up with our mistakes. They don't yell at us when we mess up. We can be comfortable around them because we know that they love us.
We don't like to be around short-tempered people. They aren't patient with us. They yell at us if we mess up. They're hard to be comfortable around because we're always waiting for the next flare up of their temper.
God doesn't get angry quickly. God is patient with people who sin against Him. God doesn't let his all-powerful temper flare up quickly because He wants sinners to understand how terrible their sins are and be sorry about them. God wants sinners to come to Him to be forgiven.
People do stupid things when they're angry. Someone I know once threw his rod and reel into a lake after a big trout got away. It isn't good for God's people to do violent things when they're angry, especially if those violent things are done or said to other people.
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:19-20).
God was patient with us. Through Christ Jesus He forgave all our sins, even those of anger.
PRAYER: God, we thank you for not being angry with us even though we sin a lot every day. Thank you for forgiving our sins through Jesus' cross. Help us to be patient with others like you have been patient with us. Help us to forgive others like you forgave us. Help us not to be angry with people, but patient, kind, and rich in love. Amen.
