We've had a saying in my home since my children were little:
Has anyone else been there? Everything seems just fine and one person's bad mood takes over and finds its way into everyone else. There is truth to the saying, "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!""Its okay to have a bad mood, but bad moods are contagious. Take it to your room until its better because you don't want mommy to catch your bad mood."
The bible tells us that certain bad moods or temperaments can be contagious and that we need to guard against them.
Anger is one of the temperaments God warns us about.
Anger is contagious.
"Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.",(Proverbs 22:24-25, NLT)
Its as if the angry person is a skilled arsonist who knows where to place his sparks to ignite the flames of anger in your heart. Once ignited, its difficult to control those flames. We can even become guilty of sharing the flames of anger with others and perpetrating the damage.
Damage from anger can be devastating, but an added issue with anger is that it has some pretty hazardous travel companions.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.",(Ephesians 4:31, NLT
"For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior.",(2 Corinthians 12:20b, NLT)
"But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.",(Colossians 3:8, NLT)According to the above verses, these nasty behaviors follow anger.
- Bitterness
- Rage
- Anger
- Harsh words
- Quarreling
- Jealousy
- Slander
- Evil Behavior
- Selfishness
- Slander
- Gossip
- Arrogance
- Disorderly behavior
- Malicious behavior
- Dirty language
Anger in itself isn't bad. It is a natural emotion and there are healthy ways, reasons, and times to be angry. Where we go wrong is when we allow anger to control us, our thoughts, and our behaviors.
"Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.",(Psalm 4:4, NLT)
"And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.",(Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT)
"Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.",(Ephesians 4:22-24, NLT)
Just like the travel companions to anger, there are travel companions (characteristics or traits) that partner with the action of not being controlled by anger.
"Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.",(Ephesians 4:32, NLT
"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.",(Colossians 3:2, NLT)
- Kindness
- Tenderhearted
- Forgiveness
- Mercy
- Humility
- Gentleness
- Patience
"Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls."(James 1:20-21, NLT)
But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.
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