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A Positive Side To Anger?
Ephesians 4:26-27 '"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry'
 We all know how potentially destructive anger can be. It has led to violent altercations, homicides and even mass killings. In the hearts of people in positions of power, it has also given birth to wars. Is all anger to be avoided? Can anger have any positive side? Many people feel guilty when they experience anger toward someone who has hurt them. But our feelings are like the indicator lights on the dashboard of a car. If the temperature light comes on, we don't say there's something wrong with the bulb. The bulb is faithfully doing its job, showing us that something is wrong under the hood. When we are angry, our feelings are working as God designed them to function. They are telling us that there is something wrong under the surface. Angry feelings are not always sinful. There are times when Jesus himself became angry; especially when he saw people being cheated or misled by supposed representatives of God. It's not always anger in itself that's sinful. In fact, if you did not feel anger when you were hurt, something would be wrong somewhere. Anger can be a powerful motivator to action. It may be the very thing that causes us to become proactive rather than reactive, to start taking back control of our feelings and thoughts. However, while anger may sometimes act as a good servant, it must never be allowed to master us. We must never let it become the chief emotion of our hearts, the thing that determines our responses above all else.
Prayer: 'Lord, there are times when anger works for me, because it gets me moving in a positive direction, in dealing with some wrong situation. But I don't want it to master me. Please help me to keep a right perspective, especially when my emotions are running hot.'
© 2003-2004 Mal Fletcher
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Mal, I had the good fortune of hearing your wisdom on several topics, here in the USA. Thank you. I hope our paths cross again.
Koz, USA
Fantastic and inspiring article Mal about the London bombings. I will be passing this on to others. May God continue to bless your unique and powerful ministry.
Jennie, Australia
Thanks for your visit to St. Louis & the thoughtful messages you brought. I am challenged to be a city on a hill, and to not be hidden.
Perhaps on your next visit, you could join in the push-up contest or drive the motorcycle. Best wishes for continued success.
John, United States
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