Over the last few weeks, we have been examining some of the deadly adversaries the enemy uses to attack us. Today, we look at anger. In the game, Mortal Kombat, the term “chip damage” refers to a small amount of damage inflicted on a player who is blocking an opponent’s special move. An opponent can gradually chip away at the other player’s health and well-being by landing hits even when being blocked. In the same way, anger and bitterness can chip away at our spiritual health. This can happen even when we are actively attempting to block evil thoughts and guard our feelings.

Anger may start as a harmless feeling, but if left unchecked it can quickly grow into something hard to control. In Ephesians 4:26, it says “When angry, do not sin.” It doesn’t say, “Don’t get angry” or “If you ever get angry.”  It says, “When [you are] angry.” We are all going to be angry at times.  Feeling anger isn’t the problem.  The problem comes when we allow anger to chip away at our peace by dwelling on the hurt and becoming offended. Anger can produce bitterness and un-forgiveness and hinders our relationships with others.

We can limit the enemy’s chip damage in our lives by giving our anger to the Lord and exercising the fruit of the Spirit of self-control. This means when we feel a certain way, we can choose to act on those feelings and fuel our anger with wrong thoughts or we can take a stand and with God’s help, refuse to allow the situation to get out of control.

In the word, we are instructed to take captive every thought that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. When the enemy attacks us with feelings of anger, we should ask ourselves what we know about God.  God is loving, gracious, long-suffering, forgiving, merciful and kind. Angry and revengeful thoughts are definitely against what we know of God.  So, when we feel ourselves getting upset, we must choose to not allow anger to control us.  With God’s grace and strength, we can control our actions, thoughts and words, trusting God to take care of the situation.

Verse: Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness (justice) God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.  James 1:19-21 NLT

[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).  2 Corinthians 10:5 AMPC

Questions:   What is your first reaction when something makes you angry?  How does anger “chip away” at your peace and joy?  What is one defensive move you can make when the enemy sends frustration and anger your direction?                                           

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be loving and forgiving, like you are.  When someone hurts me, and causes my anger to flair, teach me to respond with grace and control my flesh.  I trust you to take care of every frustration and to right any wrongs done; even if that means changing me.  Help me to not hold grudges and to be slow to speak, quick to listen and quick to forgive. I trust you to take care of every situation because I know you love me.  In Jesus’ name, amen.