Anger is such a vital emotion. We all feel it. We all feel justified when we become angry at something or someone. Anger to me is a defense for fear, in my opinion. It is in some sense of survival tactic we employ when we feel threatened. Not that I am implying that Jesus was experiencing it as we might. Anger is also a sign of frustration. Jesus was distressed too. Why was he so distressed? Because he wanted them to “get it” since they were supposed to be the intelligentsia.

The other instance involving anger is when Jesus in Matthew 5:21-22, just after the Sermon on the Mount and the Similitudes. He tells the crowd that they have heard that murder is wrong and anyone who murders is subject to judgement. That is a direct result of the law. Then he adds, “but I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement. Again anyone who says to his brother, “Raca” is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (NIV).

Jesus has to repeat his point to get to something. After that he wants us to make our peace with them before we come to him.

First, Jesus is saying, in my opinion, that he knows we are going to sin. He knows there is a justification to be angry. He warns us that we can’t risk putting ourselves in a position to commit an even greater sin by letting our anger fester.

Second, that leads me to think about how careful we all need to be about what we say in our anger, no matter how justified we think we are. Our angry thoughts and words expressed might lead to a greater sin somewhere down the line. A sin that we might not even commit, but which might be committed by someone else. Our anger might incite someone to commit a greater sin.

Which leads to the opinion arising from Ephesians 4:26. The author is not saying that it is okay to be angry. Jesus was saying it was okay. Recognizing that we are sinners, knowing we will sin, doesn’t give us license to sin.

I don’t think there is such a thing as a “right time” or a “right cause” for being angry. “In your anger, do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

The author is echoing Jesus in Matthew, I think, in a more understandable way. Jesus always seems to be challenging us to stop and think through what he is getting out, instead of spelling it out, which is what Paul does. Not that Paul is wrong at all. It’s just that Jesus is so much more than Paul. Jesus wants us to use our mental faculty.

I guess my point is that it is not okay to be angry. We need to step back from our emotions and not react so quickly. We need to realize that the foundation of all is God’s love, not anger. We cannot afford to put our souls in jeopardy, even if we are (or think we are) sanctified by His Grace. I believe Jesus is challenging us to step back and examine ourselves and what we believe. We need to question what is it that we really feel we are justified in feeling and doing. Is the “cause” we think worth it really worth it?

What comes to mind also is the whole incident is built around the man’s shriveled hand. He is incapable of acting. And the irony is is that it is on the Sabbath, when he shouldn’t be doing anything but affirming God.

Jesus is giving the man the ability to work, to play, to do, when he shouldn’t be doing. The choice is his. Jesus is always giving us a choice. What will you do? I gave you the choice of good or evil, life or death, common sense and reason or confusion.

I firmly believe that the spiritual war is fought and won in the mind. Check this out if you have a sec -
http://serious-things.com/tactical-spiritual-warfare

THANKS ALOT!!

the Bibles studies are soo great. U r awsome
I praise God for u every day.