Replace Anger with JOY!

            Have you had your Joy Juice today?  When we are angry, it seems more difficult to swallow our serving of Joy Juice!

            Even those with a calm demeanor and laid-back personality will admit that, at times, they experience anger.  It’s something each of us has to deal with.  That’s why God addressed “anger” often in His Word.

            Look at the wisdom found in Proverbs 29: 11 & 20:

“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.”
“Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” 

OUCH!  Have you ever spoken harsh, angry words without thinking first?  I think all of us would have to answer “YES” to that question.  When we lose control and end up hurting others….this is wrong! A wise person allows the Holy Spirit to be in control in these potentially hurtful situations.

            Not all anger is sinful and wrong. There are reasons for righteous anger. BUT we are given instruction in the Bible for how to handle our anger.  Ephesians 4: 26-27 tells us:

²⁶ “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold.”

      ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you."

            Get rid of anger by replacing it with genuine joy in the Lord.