Originally Posted by
VioletReigns
The Lord tells us not to go to sleep at night with anger in our hearts. Anger is a poison. People and circumstances do not MAKE us angry. We allow ourselves to entertain angry thoughts when we want things our way contrary to God's purposes.
Of course, there is righteous anger where the Lord tells us to "be angry and sin not." But the kind of anger that makes us withhold forgiveness and surge with wrath in our veins is not good. "The wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God."
You suggest that we improve ourselves. I don't think it's possible. Our flesh is not subject to God and never will be. The only hope we have is to humble ourselves before God and DIE to our pride and let the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ change us. The work He has begun in us He will finish; we just need to quit rebelling against Him and submit to the guidance of our loving, merciful and wise Father.
We cannot know our own hearts by analyzing or intellectualism, but God knows our hearts and can give us a right spirit. Lord, open our eyes and let us see Jesus! Have Your way, Father! Be glorified in Your people that You would be blessed and lifted up as a Light in this world. Hallelujah! In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! Your will be done!
I apologize for coming at you. When I was growing up all the normal emotions....anger...sexual desires.... you name it... were "bad" and were not spoken of. Consequently, I found myself isolated by thoughts of low self esteem because of the natural urges and emotions I experienced, that btw are a natural expression of humanity. I however was taught they were bad...or "poison" as you put it.
You see, there is nothing that God created that was not "good". Anger is a very important aspect of the human experience.... as it serves as a warning for a crossed boundary or violated core belief. I sometimes imagine how Eve must have felt when Satan told her that God was keeping something "good" from her. Did she become the slightest bit angry with God? I know I would have. Now imagine if she said....Satan I'm angry that you are suggesting that God is keeping something from me.....I'm gonna go seek the truth in this instead of acting out of my anger and I'll get back to ya on this.....
You both have valid arguments - one doesn't negate the other I don't think. Although at present i think i identify more with Sirk's position in understanding and working thru anger issues.