Slow to Anger

Have you ever felt guilty about the anger that you have shown towards your spouse? I know if you are like me there are too many to count. Anger, irritation, and frustration can all lead us to act in ways that are unbiblical and not pleasing to God. But how do you get around these emotions without acting like a fool? The Bible tells us to rid ourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth. Colossians 3:8. In the bible we see many examples of how being angry can cause us to sin. When we look back at why Cain killed Abel, it was because Abel’s sacrifice was pleasing to God and he became angry over that. King Saul tried to kill David because of anger, the same thing happened to the Pharacies killing Jesus. Anger starts us off on the fast track to sin. In the story of Cain and Abel, the Lord tells Cain how he needs to respond. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why is your face gloomy? If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” Genesis 4: 6-7. God tells us to master our emotions, especially anger before it gets the best of us.

Even God gets angry but His anger is a righteous anger. But He, being compassionate, forgave their wrongdoing and did not destroy them; And often He restrained His anger and did not stir up all His wrath. Psalm 78:38. God shows us that our emotions can be controlled and restrained even when we are angry for the right reasons. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. Psalm 103: 8-10. Not only does God restrain His anger, but He is also “abounding in steadfast love.” He never ever runs out of a love that never, ever waivers. When I think about God’s holy, set apart, transcendent nature in light of my struggle against sin, it is the best news that God is not only patiently withholding anger, but He is eager to lavish us with His love. Instead of dealing with our anger towards our spouses why don’t we put aside the anger, put on love, and let God deal with our husbands in the way that only He can. We know if there is discipline that needs to happen, His discipline is perfect. And when you need love and forgiveness, God has got that covered too.