"And you shall rule over it (anger)"
Gen. 4:7God explained to Cain, before the murder of Abel, that if he obeyed ("do well") he would be "accepted" (have no reason for jealous anger) (Gen. 4:3-8). But if he didn't ("do well"--obey), then there would be the temptation ('sin at the door') to sin. He told Cain that it was Cain's responsibility to "rule over" it (anger and the temptation to sin). Cain failed. How well do we do in 'ruling over' our emotions, especially the "vengeful passion" of anger?
1. Self-awareness
"Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves . . . ."
(2 Cor. 13:5).Ask yourself questions:
How often do I feel angry, --seldom, occasionally, often, or all the time?What makes me angry, --situations, things, people, actions, words, events, pain, other?
Do others react to me as though I'm angry even though I insist I am not angry?
Do others insist that I sound and look angry and use angry words?
Am I perhaps in denial about my anger?
Are there issues or past events which anger me, but which I refuse to think about or to discuss with others?
Am I holding any grudges? Is there anyone whom I have not forgiven?
Do I forgive but refuse to ever forget?
Do I have trouble "rejoicing always"?
Make yourself a list, for a week or a month, writing down everything that makes you angry. Be specific. Include all relevant details. Note any possible contributing factors, such as fatigue, lack of medication, over-medication, heat, hunger, pain, discomfort, sadness, loneliness, despair, discouragement, lack of goals, lack of purpose in life, or worry.
2. Desire to change.
"Be (or become) you therefore perfect, . . . Mat. 5:48
". . . let us go on unto perfection: . . ." Heb. 6:1"But now . . . put off all these; anger, wrath, malice . . ." Col. 3:8.
". . . Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God." Psa. 55:19.
"And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
I tell you this man went down to his house justified . . ." Lk. 18:13-14."Seek you the Lord, all you meek (gentle, resistant to provocation) of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be you shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger." Zeph. 2:3.
"To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing meekness unto all men." Tit. 3:2.
"The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way." Psa. 25:9.
"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Psa. 37:11.
"For the Lord takes pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation." Psa. 149:4.
"Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Mat. 11:28-30."The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, . . ." Isa. 29:19.
If we truly and honestly examine ourselves and sincerely desire to change, then God promises "increased joy" in our lives.
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