God’s most authentic desire for His servants is that they reflect His image. To think, speak, act, and live in His ways, to obey His Laws and precepts. He sends trials and tests to cause change so that you may mirror Him in every possible way.
But your transformation from your sinful state to living a godly life will not be an easy or quick accomplishment. Neither is living and acting according to His instructions. It is a lifelong process because we are constantly struggling against the nature of our flesh. As a tree grows from a seed to a mature tree, it takes time and struggles to bear good fruit. But be assured of this; the Lord will accomplish that work within you moment by moment and day by day as you do the hard work of following Him.
And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
That said, how does He say that you should handle offense and anger? The Lord says to be slow to anger and quick to forgive. This one aspect of your behavior will show your level of maturity and spiritual growth in the ways of the Lord. But we both know it is not easy, but you must struggle against sin to do what is right.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20 Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9
If your brother or sister sins against you or stir anger within you, be careful not to allow it to control you, but control it. Do not give any opportunity to the devil; because this is precisely the opportunity he is waiting for to pounce and cause you to fall. But know the Lord is always ready to help you to escape the temptation to sin. Stop, take a minute, breathe, repent, and ask God to help you do and say what is right.
It will be challenging, but through the Spirit of the Lord and the training He is putting you through, you will overcome evil and grow from foolishness to wisdom. God will give you the strength to overcome such anger and prevent you from sinning because of an offense. Sin is what causes pain and suffering in relationships. And anger is a big one. If it is not correctly handled through the Spirit, it will lead to more sin and cause much pain and strife between those you love. So do not allow the devil to trick you but overcome evil with good instead.
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27
Always remember, God gives you a route of escape from the temptation to sin. Resisting the devil in Jesus’ name and His power is the way to escape. The devil has no choice but to flee from your presence when you stand with Jesus. Put the offense behind you; it is a trap the devil has set to cause you to fall. Please do not fall into his snares. The devil might be sly but still uses the same old tricks. Learn to go directly to God for help, and you will master the escape route.
You are in the same condition as everyone else. But with an advantage that can conquer any temptation. It is Jesus. It is the power of the Holy Spirit within you. We all have fallen short of the glory of God. But He is gracious and forgiving. He will not let the temptation go past your ability to resist.
Take this time to reflect on how you currently react to an offense. Are you easily angered, or are you slow to anger? Are you wise, or are you foolish when a disagreement arises? Be honest with yourself. It is more helpful in the long run. If you walk in the Spirit of the Lord, you will be wise. If in the flesh, you will be foolish. God will give you the strength and wisdom to overcome. It is that simple, but you have to resist what is evil.
A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back. Proverbs 29:11 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
Live with sober-mindedness and self-control. Walk and live in the love, kindness, and compassion of the Spirit of the Lord. Then you will reflect the image of God and walk according to His ways, not giving in to anger or foolishness. God will give you wisdom when you ask for it and the ability to resist your own foolish ways.
The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:7-8
The Soul Sower 