Anger In Our Arguments

 

Anger In Our Arguments 

 In my sadness of this incident of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I truly realized just where we are as a nation. In learning about Charlie, and his work of debating with college students, in order to help them come to the truth, salvation, and the righteousness of God, I felt that he was gaining some good ground. But yet, we were very strongly reminded that hate is strong in our nation. And that there comes a time when we stop talking, and we act in pure hate. How sad we as a nation have become. 

 The Bible offers profound insight into how unchecked anger in arguments can escalate into violence and even death. We need to look first at James 1:19-20 "Everyone should be be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." 

Let's look at some Biblical Insights on: "Anger In Our Arguments." 

1. Anger escalates when listening stops. 

In our main text, James 1:19-20, James urges us as Christians to slow down, listen first, speak second, and resist the impulse to anger. This exhortation is not just wise, but it's protective. And when we reverse it, we invite chaos. 

2. Harsh words stir up wrath. 

Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." The Bible is clear here, that words, can either build for peace, or fuel conflict. In arguments, harsh language is like fuel on the fire. 

3. Unchecked anger leads to destruction 

Proverbs 29:11 warns, "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end." When anger is uncontrolled, it can lead to violence, broken relationships, and even death. Cain's murder of Abel (Genesis 4) is a tragic example of anger unchecked. 

4. Arguments can stem from pride and ego. 

Many disputes stem from pride, which blinds us to reason and humility. Proverbs 13:10 says, "Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." Pride fuels anger, because it refuses correction or compromise. 

5. The power of the tongue. 

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, "The tongue has the power of life and death." In heated arguments, our words can either defuse tension or provoke violence. The Bible calls us to speak life---even in conflict. 

6. God's call to peacemaking. 

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9) Arguments can help us come to the truth, and correction, and to peace. But if we handle them badly, it will determine whether we reflect God's character, or our brokenness. GP 

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