Today’s readings are Genesis 24-25, Psalm 4, and Mark 9.
Is it a sin to be angry?
We know Jesus was angry and turned of the tables of the money changers and those selling pigeons in the temple in Matthew 21:12-13, yet we know Jesus was also without sin (1 Peter 2:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 3:5). When we are angry, we can be quick to sin with foul language in our disgust. We also live in a world today where we think we need to take action right away. Many first take to social media. The amount of anger and negative energy on social media is astounding. Or we go to gossiping and talking about others behind their back. Even worse yet is resorting to some sort of physical violence due to our anger.
In contrast, Psalm 4 gives us direction on how we are to handle our anger…
Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on
your bed, and be silent.
Psalm 4:4
This is clear that we are to control our emotions and refrain from taking sinful action. Psalm 4:5 then directs to…
Offer right sacrifices
and put your trust in the Lord.
Wait..what? Trusting in the Lord to make right what we think is wrong is tough enough, but we’re supposed bring Him sacrifices? Instead of taking action with sin…God wants us to take action by not just saying we trust Him, but through showing that trust by giving to Him.
What happens when we do so? Psalm 4:7 tells us He will put more joy in our heart than others have when their grain and wine are plentiful. Peace and joy are not found in righting wrongs with actions from our anger. Peace and joy are found when our confidence and faith is placed in the Lord.
In peace I will both lie down
and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8
