Mom's Devotional Bible
Good and Angry
Additional Scripture Readings: Psalm 37:8; Mark 3:5
Is it possible to be good, and angry? As far as we can tell, the answer is no. The “good” moms we watch either don’t get angry or they don’t let us know they’re angry. Watching such folks can leave us frustrated and guilt-ridden regarding our own tempers.
Paul writes to those of us who struggle with anger in Ephesians 4:26. He says, “In your anger ... ” This little phrase packs a powerful punch because it acknowledges that it’s impossible to completely avoid anger. God’s unmistakably clear, inspired Word recognizes that anger is an inevitable human emotion.
But then Paul ties this little phrase to a command: “Do not sin.” When we acknowledge our anger, we can face it without fear. We can separate ourselves with a “time-out” until we gain control. We can express our feelings in careful words that take personal ownership of the emotion.
What should you do with anger? First, accept its inevitability. Then, don’t deny it. Use your anger constructively to change situations without destroying people. Be angry, but don’t sin. Then you’ll be good, and angry.