What are you so mad about…really?
July 5/6, 2025
Keith Taylor, Guest

James gives us timely wisdom to live righteously despite provocation We are living in what some describe as an “age of Outrage”. Anger can be righteous, or it can be sinful. Anger is a surface response to the emotions going on inside. Anger tells us that we are sensing something is wrong.

What are some of the triggers for Anger?
- Hurt
- Frustration
- Fear

James gives three short instructions:

1. The Call to Listen Carefully

· vs 19 “Everyone should be quick to listen”
· Listen to what is going on inside of you Proverbs 19:11 "A man’s wisdom gives him patience”
· Listen to what others are saying and feeling “The one who gives an answer before he listens… this is foolishness and a disgrace”. Proverbs 18:13
· Listen to God’s word attentively. “Accept the Word that can save you…” James 1:21

2. The Caution Against Speaking Carelessly vs 19b “Be slow to speak”
· Delay your response. The heart of the wise person instructs his mouth Proverbs 16:23
o Stop and thing before you Speak. Ask, “What do I want the most?”
· Choose your words: Angry words are destructive. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Proverbs 15:1

3. The Command to Address Anger
· vs 19-20 “…slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
· Be angry and do not sin.Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity……No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear…Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave youin Christ. Ephesians 4:26-32

How do I let go of anger?
· Give your offenses to the Lord. Jesus can heal your hurt with his love.
· Invite the Holy Spirit to produce righteous fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness...
· Let God replace your Insecurity, fear and frustration with his power.
· Always remember the goal; God’s righteousness.