In our work-a-day, topsy-turvy, “modern-day” world, the tendency by some is to “blow up” by getting excessively angry without taking a moment to consider that our words and actions can have devastating consequences. Unsuppressed anger influences the way we think and act. Words and actions can cause a lifetime of pain, grief, and sorrow.
The Bible teaches, “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32).
The key is being “slow to anger,” which means to stop, think, and exercise wisdom before making a decision. This occurs when there is a lack of self-control, thus allowing the flesh to have its way. It is definitely not a sin to be angry. Actually, God allows us to be angry.
Here’s what the Bible says about being angry. “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26). This verse means that excessive or unnecessary anger will lead to sinning against God.
Self-control is a vital component of everyday living. And this applies to Christian and non-christian as well. The point is no one knows exactly what situations will develop in the future and may affect our intent to live a godly life-style. James 4:14 tells us, ”You do not know what tomorrow will bring” (James 4:14).
Self-control is also self-discipline, which is the ability to control one’s emotions, behavior, feelings, desires, actions, and reactions. A lack of self-control can result in self-destruction because a person did not take the time to think through, reconsider, or weigh the possibility of consequences that could result. Self-control is absolutely essential to a victorious Christian life.
The Christian’s Sovereign God, and Creator of the universe made provision for our salvation and knew it would be of the utmost importance His Holy Spirit should permanently reside in the body of each believer. As a result the Holy Spirit is always present to lead, guide, and direct our lives in accordance with God’s word.
The Lord Jesus said: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things” (John 14:26).
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Therefore, the Holy Spirit is ready, willing, and able to help us to control our anger.
It is also noteworthy that God in His divine wisdom, knowledge, and understanding has thoroughly “equipped” every believer in Christ to live the Christian life “to the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:6).
Christian character is the manifestation of the nine virtues or graces of the “fruit” (not fruits) of the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that “The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Dr. C.I. Scofield points out, “Christian character is not mere moral or legal correctness, but the possession and manifestation of these graces. Taken together they present a moral portrait of Christ. This character is possible because of the believer’s vital union with Christ and is wholly the fruit of the Spirit.” (The Scofield Reference Bible by Oxford University Press, Inc.).
There’s no doubt others will form a negative opinion of us when we fail to exercise self-control. It must always be realized that the Spirit and the flesh are in constant conflict. The Bible explains that “The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do“ (Galatians 5:17). Therefore, in this context, self-control requires complete dependence on the Holy Spirit for implementation; otherwise the flesh will prevail with untold negative outcomes.