Be Angry and Sin Not – Offense, Part 3

In the story of Cain and Abel, one did it God’s way and the other didn’t. And, the one who didn’t became angry. He didn’t deal with his anger properly. There is nothing wrong with growing angry. Sometimes we get angry at the wrong things, but it is not a sin in and of itself to get angry. The Bible talks about being angry and not sinning. God made us with emotions. We can even have righteous anger. It is not anger in and of itself that is the problem. If someone hurts you and offends you, the key is what you do with that anger. How do you process it? How do you carry it? How do you get rid of it? 

Cain’s anger turned into depression. His countenance fell. He began to mope and sulk. The next thing you know, that turned into a deep hatred for his brother and he murdered him. God laid a sentence on him. He said, “You are going to be a vagrant. You will be a wanderer in the earth.” It is fascinating to me that Cain says, “Hey, this is too strong a sentence on me. Now, everyone who sees me is going to want to kill me.” God says, “I’ll take care of that. I’ll put a mark on you to make sure no one kills you.” Notice the fact that even though Cain was at fault, he was not punished with death. He was just cast out. 

“‘Why are you so angry?’ the Lord asked Cain. ‘Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.’’” (Genesis 4:6-7; NLT)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

• Fairness and justice are two key words in the nation today. Fairness is defined as “impartial and just treatment or behavior without favoritism or discrimination.” Justice is “the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited awards or punishments. The establishment or determination of rights according to the rule of law or equity.” Think about these definitions for a minute in light of the truth that God is always just.
• People cannot decide how we should be treated by God. Only God gets to decide that and He is trying to save us! Say, “God is always just. God is always true. God has made a way of escape from the snare of the fowler and “Jesus” is that way of escape.”
• Intercede for those you know are in the battle for justice. Here are a few: David Daleiden, Jack Phillips, Abby Johnson, Will and Dehavilland Ford, and Dr. Alveda King.
• Ask God to examine your heart. Are you offended at Him? Humble yourself and work it out with Him, if so. Ask Him to keep you from sin.
• Are you offended at His Church? If you are, Repent and work it out with God. Pray for His beautiful Bride to become unoffendable.
• Acknowledge His Divine protection over your life, deserved or not, and worship Him.

A prayer you can pray:

God, You are a God of Justice. You are always righteous and good. You know the end from the beginning and You get to decide where You bestow mercy, grace, and favor. Keep us from becoming offended at You. When we see You grace another with favor and blessing, keep our hearts from misunderstanding fairness and justice. You are the Author of these things. You are the One we can call on to correct injustices against the innocent, even those who do not know You. Correct things in our society that are out of order due to the sinful nature of man. We can also ask You for justice for those who love You. We pray for those fighting against injustices, such as David Daleiden and Jack Phillips. Help them, Jesus! We join our prayers to those battling for righteousness and justice for the unborn, against racism, to deliver from gender identity issues, the breaking of poverty, and other such things in our society. These are matters where tempers flare on both sides and our nation is divided over them. We need Your intervention, Lord. We need Your Wise Counsel. We must find a way to stay unoffended at those we disagree with, so we can bring Your solutions to the table. Forgive us when we have become offended at You, thinking we know best about these things, or thinking You are delaying. Forgive us for becoming offended at Your Church. Wake her up, Lord! Cause every Believer to engage in some way in the battle over these lost souls, and for our nation’s atmosphere to shift! Only You can save us, Jesus. Amen.

Today’s decree:

God is always just. God is always true. God has made a way of escape from the snare of the fowler and “Jesus” is that way of escape.