What makes you “mad”?

“What makes you mad?” This question was the basis of an interesting class discussion we had a while ago. What would your answer be? Anger is a powerful emotion. It is often linked to people or things which are important to us. Anger may be connected to a desire for power or feelings of powerlessness. Feeling angry is a normal part of life. But it is what we do with our anger that determines whether it is constructive or destructive.

The Bible has this to say about anger,

“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. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:19-21 NIV)

Have you ever become angry because you didn’t “get the whole story”? Perhaps you jumped in too quickly without hearing the other person’s point of view? Have you ever added “fuel to the fire” by saying things you later regretted? “I can’t believe I just said that!” is a common thought when we speak in the heat of the moment. Another comment is, “I wish I could take back what I just said”. Being “quick to listen and slow to speak” is one way to reduce the likelihood that this will happen to us. Hearing the other person’s point of view and thinking carefully before we talk can make a big difference.

James reminds us that anger can lead us to say things we later regret. It also refocuses us on the priorities of the Christian life. To follow Jesus is to want to live “the righteous life that God desires”. It is not about winning the argument, putting the other person down, or getting our own way. So, what is it that feeds an unhealthy and destructive anger? “Moral filth and evil” top the list. They lead us to put ourselves and our desires above God and above other people.

But there is an alternative way to live life. It is to “humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you”. The “word” referred to is the good news about Jesus. It is found in the Bible and gives us a different perspective on life. To receive it requires humility. Basically, this means we admit to ourselves and to God that we need his guidance and wisdom in our lives. His word planted in us grows to produce his life and goodness. This is in contrast to the “seed” of sinful desires mentioned earlier. (James 1:15.) Receiving this “word” saves us from the power and penalty of sin both now and for eternity.

Have you received this word into your life?