Don’t let your anger lead you into sin
There was a sharp argument, and they separated: Barnabas took Mark and sailed off for Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the care of the Lord’s grace. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (verses 39-41)
Read Acts 15:36-16:5
Arguments are rarely if ever wholesome and if allowed to get out of control can lead to long-lasting pain, even tragedy. Our communities are full of broken relationships because of arguments that should have been nipped in the bud· but were allowed to go on. And it’s so easy to come up with reasons to keep the argument going: you need to stick to your principles, or you have to prove to the other person that you are right. But how quickly it affects your relationships!
‘Do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day’ (Ephesians 4:26). That’s how your God wants you to live. And that’s how you will find peace.
Paul and Barnabas had a sharp argument, allowing their feelings and passions to get the better of them, and they paid the price. Many, many people have followed the same path with exactly the same results.
God’s way for you to handle arguments and anger is clear, and it works because it’s grounded in forgiveness and love: ‘Forgive others, and God will forgive you’ (Luke 6:37b).
Dear Father, help me to live in harmony with people everywhere. Make me a channel of your peace. Amen.
by Len Tscharke, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
Visit the Daily Devotion archives page.
