“Anger Destroys”

Acts 25:1-4

This morning I want to talk about anger. Of all the emotions this
one has the power to full hatred and smothers love.

Anger in itself is not bad; God got angry, and Jesus got angry.

What we need to look at is the object of our anger, our motives for
the anger we are feeling.

Anger that is self-righteous, prideful, self centered,

Or is demanding of its own way. This kind of anger is dangerous.

If allowed to go unchecked it will consume us. This type of anger

seeks to harm people, it seeks revenge, and it seeks to destroy.

This type of anger leads to bitterness and hatred, which cause one
to be hardened to compassion and forgiveness.

We will see this to be true in the case of the Jewish Priest/ leaders.

Acts 25:1-4

Failed by Anger
1. After Felix is removed from office Paul’s accusers still goes
after him over 2 years.
2. Their hearts is to trick Festus to send for Paul so they can
murder. Him.
3. Festus tells them to return Paul with him and state their
charges, and they did.

The Jewish Priests and leaders allowed anger to become their

passion instead of love like their God says.
The second greatest command is to love you neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:38 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.

Leviticus 19:18 18 “Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against

anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

There are several reasons “we get anger”

1. Pride. Number 22:29 29
2. Stubbornness. Esther 3:1-6

Jealousy. 1 Samuel 18:8

3. Confrontation. 1 King 22:15-27

How many of us can relate to one or more if not all of these

reasons mentioned?

What should we do about our anger?

1. Deal with it quickly.

Ephesians 4:26-27

Does this mean if we don’t reconcile before the sun goes down we
have sinned.

Paul is telling us to deal with our anger quickly in such a way we

are building relationship and not destroying them.

If we let it ride what we are doing is giving satan an opportunity to

divide us from each other.

And eventually from God’s love and forgiveness.

Jesus tells us in

Matthew 5:21-22

Killing is a terrible sin, and anger is just as bad because it violates

God’s command to love your neighbor as yourself.

The Pharisee knew this law and not having murdered felt
righteous.

Yet their anger got them to a place were they would plot the death
of Jesus.

And we see the same thing going on towards Paul’s life.

Love is the only thing that will win over anger, why?

1 Peter 4:8

Love covers a multitude of sin

It is because of God’s love for us that we are made right before

him through the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen!

John 15:3

Love is willing to sacrifice for the good of others even if it means

death. Isn’t that what Christ Jesus did for you and me.

Where can we get true love for others? Where does it come from?

Colossians 1:8

We learn from the Holy Spirit.

What is the fruit of love?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

All these fruits reveal our Lord and we need to model this love.

The gifts of love are…..

1. Forgiveness.
2. Patience.
3. Kindness.
4. Love for truth.
5. Love for Justice.
6. Love for the best in a person.
7. Loyalty at the end cross.
8. Belief in a person no matter what.

Gang this is true love and it’s only this kind of love that will win
over anger.

The love that was revealed at the cross.