With

Why So Angry

Matthew 2:13-23

“Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry…" - Ephesians 4:26

 Three Questions:

What is Anger?

God’s Anger:

 “The Lord’s anger burned…[Israel] wandered for 40 years” Numbers 32:13

 “At the breath of God they perish; at the blast of his anger they are no more.” Job 4:9 

Anger Warnings:

“…anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9

“In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” Ephesians 4:26

Why are we so Angry?

v16, “Herod was furious…”

• We live Relationally Isolated
  Romans 12:18 “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
• We carry Excess Baggage
• We believe the stories we tell ourselves
• We fail to Trust God
  Romans 12:19, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.”

What to do with Anger?

The key: When angry we must deliberately move from thoughtless reaction to thoughtful response.

 Matthew 18:15, “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.”

• Move Toward People Not Away
  
  
• Choose Forgiveness
  
  

Final thought: The cross is where anger and love met.