Bible Passage: “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” (Titus 3:3-5 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Titus 3:1-8 NIV
At this point, I acknowledge that I haven’t written much this week about the “how to” manage our anger. I’ve focused more on the “who” and “why”—we manage our anger for God, our wives, our children, and our church.
About the actual “how” of regulating anger, our Impactus website has many helpful articles, devotionals, and other resources:
- “The Dangers of Christian Outrage Culture”
- “How Can a Man Handle Anger”
- Daily Devotional: “Anger”
- “The Many Faces of Anger”
- “Breaking the Anger Chain”
- “Mentoring in an Age of Anger”
- “Dealing with Anger”
- “The Gift of Anger”
- “How Can I Release My Anger and Accept When Bad Things Happen?”
If you search our website for “anger,” you’ll find much more. I didn’t even mention our three-hour workshop “Overcoming Your Anger,” which we offer churches.
Here at Impactus, we talk about anger so much because it’s a big issue for men!
If we can allow God to tame our anger, it’d be a tremendous testimony to the reality of Jesus to unbelievers.
Today’s Bible verse speaks of the “before and after” of the Christian life. The verse, “We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another” (Titus 3:3 NIV), may be an oversimplification for believers then and now.
Yet surely there is truth in there?
Before God saved me at the age of 21, there were bullies who hated me, and I returned the favor. There were also certain bosses and coworkers, and definitely a few racists, whom I despised.
After becoming a Christian, there were still people like the ones described above. I couldn’t control their attitude towards me, but I could learn to replace hate with love for my so-called enemies by the supernatural influence of the Spirit.
You may have some difficult coworkers. Maybe your neighbor irritates you. Perhaps you have a family member you avoid.
But what if you’re the only potential Christian influence in their lives?
Titus 3:4 goes on to teach us that God saved us even while we were hating people, because He is kind and loving. It has nothing to do with us but everything to do with God’s mercy.
Withhold your anger against the unsavory people in your life. Depend on the Spirit to show them mercy, just as God gave you mercy. Stand out and show them Jesus is real because of your godly temperament.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for saving me through Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your mercy, even while I was foolish and disobedient. May I be merciful to non-Christians, especially when some of them seem to make it difficult. Help me manage my anger and show them kindness and love instead, even though it sometimes seems impossible. I really can’t do it without You. Amen.
Reflection: Are you merciful to the unbelievers in your life? How can Jesus work through you to help turn these people in your life to Himself and be saved?
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