IS IT WORTH MY WITNESS?

Anger can be harmful, hurtful and dangerous but it can also be a very informative signal to us about our spiritual and physical health.  Anger is a natural human emotion and is not sinful by itself however; sin creeps in based on how we act, speak, or react while angry. Ephesians 4:26 reads, “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”. I have been guilty of all of it! 

In today’s world where immediate reactions are often valued over thoughtful responses, James 1:19-20 instructs us to pause, observe, and genuinely absorb what others are expressing before offering our own perspective. When we are angry, it is natural for us to respond in kind or as the young people say “match energy” or “clap back”! But here is what the verse tells us “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. And there is a cost to matching energy or clapping back! It ruins our witness and dishonors God, whom we claim to follow and serve.

Practicing the "quick to listen" command requires intentional focus and humility. It means setting aside internal triggers and filters/distractions and the impulse to formulate a defense or rebuttal while someone else is speaking. I know that is a very difficult thing to do but I’ve learned to ask, “Is it worth my witness”?  Choosing to be "slow to speak and slow to become angry" allows space for self-control to guide our emotions rather than letting impulsive feelings dictate our conduct. While anger is a natural emotional response, letting it control our speech or actions is to be driven by our flesh/enemy and not led by the Holy Spirit, who is always guiding and leading us if we could just hear him over the noise.

~Line Osias-Cayenne