Sermon Central
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The Deadly Sin Of Anger--Part One Series
Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Mar 5, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: When wronged or hurt by someone we are often tempted to lash out in vicious anger seeking revenge.
“Later, my job as a prison law clerk took me to the confinement cells. Rodney’s days of stealing from other prisoners had caught up with him. As I passed his cell, he asked if I remembered him.
"Sure, you’re the guy who stole my radio."
"That weren’t me," he lied.
“‘That’s all right, Rodney, I forgive you.’ I forgot about Rodney stealing my radio and thought more about the fact that Jesus loved him. Soon I found myself helping Rodney and telling him about Jesus. Then one day I saw him kneeling next to his bunk reading the Bible, and I knew that good had overcome evil. [SOURCE: --Roy Anthony Borges in Discipleship Journal (9-10?98), quoted in Men of Integrity,
Vol. 2, no. 4.].
The late Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate.” [SOURCE: “Theft in the Cell Block” as posted on web site: http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2000/001/jan/31.31.html]. I would like to paraphrase Romans 12:21 just a bit: “Be not overcome by anger, but overcome anger with love, patience, and forgiveness.”
Are you harboring bitterness, anger, resentment, and hatred in your heart for someone today? Do you desire revenge? Have a little talk with Jesus about those feelings as your come in repentance and faith to His Table this morning. Then, walking in the power of His Spirit, shower that person in God’s love. The Holy Spirit will honor your prayer and your faith and empower you to overcome anger with love, patience, and forgiveness.
