Genesis 4:5b So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
Anger is a destructive negative emotion. Scientists believe that anger is hardwired in our brains as a reaction to overcome threats. Frustration is the primary trigger to anger. When we are unable to see the expected changes or when we feel helpless or hopeless, exasperation reverberates as anger, rage or hate. Unresolved anger over a long period of time turns into bitterness. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26). Sleeping over resentment turns into bitterness and gives a foothold to the devil. Bitterness is a root that will destroy our character and negatively influence our conduct. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled (Hebrews 12:15). Bitterness erodes God’s grace. Bitterness troubles and traumatizes us and corrupts our environment.
The very first fits of anger and rage are recorded with the first brothers Cain and Abel. Both of them went to worship the Lord God. Able took a blood sacrifice and the fat portion (best) of his flock but Cain took some fruits from his produce. Cain made his own rules around offerings and worship; it was neither the first fruits nor the best. God did not look with favour at his “independent spirit”. An independent spirit is one that seeks self glory, operates in conceit and often is in rebellion to the authority established by God. Envy, conceit and comparison made Cain very angry. His face dropped with fury. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:6-7). To overcome anger, understand the root-cause.
Root-cause that triggers anger:
1. Envy: We have everything that we need to lead a successful, useful and fruitful life. The treatment to overcome anger is to kill envy and nurture gratitude. A grateful heart for what we have will annihilate envy.
2. Exasperation: Frustration is linked to the chain of control. When things don’t go our way, we get exasperated. Surrendering control into God’s hands will eliminate about 90% of our frustrations.
3. Enrage: Bottled up anger will burst open as rage. For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20). The difference between anger of God and the anger of man is that anger of man is selfish and self-centered but anger of God produces justice. Share the frustration with a good friend to get a balanced perspective of the issue. Nip anger in the bud before it explodes into fury.
In your anger do not sin.
James 1:20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Prayer: Papa God, help me not to lose my cool over silly frustrations. Please help me identify the triggers and overcome anger. Amen
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