Don’t let anger get a foothold

Have you ever had the feeling of regret after you scolded someone? Today I had the sickening taste of that feeling. I blasted at someone today, and then after knowing the circumstances  (indirectly through another person), I feel bad. Really bad. As though I’ve murdered that person.

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. 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.” (Matthew 5:21-22, NIV)

Yet the person that I blasted at was so gracious and apologetic.  He was never defensive or rebutted me.  It just made me feel worse.

It has been a long time since I’ve blasted at anyone in church.  Today I realised it is never justified to do that to anyone, no matter how wrong the situation seems.  It is like adding salt to a wound.

“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. (Ephesians 4:26-27, NIV)