As we saw in worship yesterday, anger is a "strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong." (Definition from Dictionary.com)  That means we can get angry for good reasons.  That's why we find God displaying anger in the pages of Scripture.  Some of the reasons God gets angry?  Sin.  Disobedience.  Injustice.  When we see people God created being abused and mistreated that ought to arouse anger within us.  Anger is justified as a response to words and actions that anger God!

The key is how we respond in our anger.  The Apostle Paul helped us when he challenged us:  ²⁶And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27  When injustice raises anger within us we are to focus on the injustice, not the anger.  Otherwise it will control us.  We're also to deal with the situation immediately -- "don't let the sun go down while you are still angry."  Obviously, we can't deal with all injustices in a day.  So, what was Paul saying?  It seems he was telling us to develop a plan for dealing with the cause of anger, and start dealing with it immediately.  That way the anger is turned to something positive rather than becoming a "foothold" for the devil.

On this Memorial Day, it may be helpful to consider why our nation has entered military conflicts over the years.  Some would say we are imperialists bent on conquest.  Others would say we always get involved for material benefit.  I believe most of the conflicts our nation has entered have been to stop injustice in the world, or at least perceived injustice.  Those are examples of using anger to pursue the greater good.  In our lives today, may we use the injustices we see to give the Holy Spirit a foothold in our lives to use anger for good and for God's glory!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we will not sin by letting anger control us.  Thank You for the men and women who have responded to our nation's call to serve through the past two hundred plus years, and have given the ultimate sacrifice in that service.  Bless America to be a blessing as we follow You will.  This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.