Sometimes the deceitfulness of the world, the flesh, and the devil entices us to feel good about our anger. So when a child, a teenager, a spouse, or a friend crosses an arbitrary line we feel totally justified in letting them “have it.” We cover our sin by saying, “I know I shouldn’t be angry, but sometimes you just have to say enough is enough.”
This sort of language and rationalization will receive a hearty Amen from the Satanic cheering section. We think we have been strong, when in fact we have taken the coward’s way out and indulged in capitulation. The same plan worked on Eve and it is just as effective with angry parents. We do what seems right at the moment.
Parents, God calls you to be shepherds, not enforcers. You may feel regret at your anger, but until you repent and embrace the role of a servant / shepherd you will be aiding and abetting the enemy.
Letting someone “have it” is easy. It requires no courage, just pride, to let loose and give others what you foolishly think they deserve. This is why love is the most effective weapon in fighting for the spiritual lives of your children.
Ephesians 4:31& 32 are seldom used as parenting guidelines. This is unfortunate. There is a powerful put off / put on dynamic in these verses to help shepherd your children towards Christ.
4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Don’t capitulate! Join the war of love waged by the power of the Spirit of God and led by our King, Jesus Christ!
2 thoughts on “Your Anger is Capitulation”
Can I just add that anger is not a sin, nor is it even wrong to be angry. It’s how we act out on it that can be sin. I believe the Word does say, “Be angry, and sin not”.. it just so happened to be in our bible study in Ephesians 4 last night. There is a righteous anger, but responding in a manner that God might, is key. Jesus got angry, and not just when he turned over the money changer’s tables. He pondered a thing before reacting. So, just as in Psalms and Proverbs both say to be slow to anger, and consider a matter.. the reaction should only be in a Godly manner, not to appease the flesh, but to try to right a wrong, maybe even restoring someone or a relationship.
Candy, It is true that we can be angry and not sin. Righteous anger is appropriate. However, Ephesians 4:31 and Galatians 5:20 teach that anger is indeed be a destructive sin. This sort of anger is always wrong and sinful. This is why I referred to our anger and outbursts of anger in the post. Personally, I am sadly more prone to sinful human anger than I am to righteous anger.