As we yield to the promptings of God’s Holy Spirit within us, we are gradually transformed into the image of Christ Jesus and sin no more has a hold of us. This process however is gradual and progresses as we get rid of our old sinful nature. The apostle Paul carefully outlines the workings of our sinful nature in the book of Galatians.

We have already examined the sins of sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, hatred and heresies. In this post therefore, we will look at the following manifestations of our sinful nature: contentions and outbursts of wrath. Let me quote the main Scripture in Galatians 5 again:

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Gal 5:19-21 NKJV Emphasis mine

Contentions

Some versions of Scripture refer to this work of the flesh as variance. A contention is simply defined as a disagreement that results from opposing arguments. Similarly, to be at variance with somebody or something is to be in disagreement with that person or thing. (Cambridge English Dictionary) So simply put, contentions are disagreements.

Disagreements over issues tend to divide families, societies and even nations as a whole. What’s worse is that, sometimes the disagreement is over something frivolous and this can end up ruining relationships.

In the Bible, we read of a contention between Abraham’s herdsmen and that of his nephew Lot. It was Lot who accompanied his uncle Abraham in the latter’s journey. However, when the land was no more able to support the herd of both men, there was strife between their herdsmen; and this contention began to mar the relationship between Abraham and his nephew Lot. So Abraham stepped in quickly to save the situation by letting Lot have for himself the part of the land that he, Lot wanted. (Genesis 13)

Abraham could have chosen for himself what he wanted first, before offering the other to his nephew, but he did not. He preferred Lot better than himself. (Romans 12:10) No doubt strife often comes about when one wants to prove a point that he or she is right and the other wrong. So the wisest man Solomon rightly said:

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Prov 13:10 KJV

One of the ways to steer clear of this work of the flesh in our lives is to hate contentions.

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Titus 3:9-10 NKJV

Jesus set for us a perfect example to follow. He failed to argue with the religious leaders of His day, rather he listened to them and sometimes answered them intelligently (John 8:1-8) and other times just left them. (Mark 8:11-13) I therefore agree with Solomon when he says

The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. Proverbs 17:14

Wrath / Outbursts of wrath

Some versions of the Bible refer to this work of the flesh as fits or outbursts of anger. Wrath is extreme anger. It is a strong vengeful anger or indignation (Merriam Webster’s dictionary).

It is interesting to note that anger itself is not a sin, but a disapproval of a person or an incident. Indeed, anger can even be used positively to correct a wrong action or bad situation. However, it is what you do or say in the moment of your anger that makes it a sin. Extreme anger however, is a sin!

Outbursts of anger, has to do with either frequent or occasional outpourings of strong feelings of displeasure and usually antagonism towards someone or something. It is evident in the tone of the person’s voice, utterances and even sometimes in the resultant action ensuing from that rage.

More often than not, the child of God who falls prey to this work of the flesh, regrets his or her actions after the harm has already been done. Moses, the great leader who led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, could not enter the Promised Land, because he was unable to control his rage. (Num. 20:2-13).

Even though people of particular temperaments may be more prone to this sin, no one is exempt; and it is in the interest of the child of God to continually ask the Holy Spirit to help him or her exercise restraint in the speech and actions. This is because, anger, if not checked can lead to many other sins: bitterness, strife, hatred and even murder!

..looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; Heb 12:15-16 NKJV

Cain got angry that God had accepted his brother Abel’s sacrifice and rejected his; and this anger led him to kill his brother. (Genesis 4) In the book of Esther, we also read of Haman, a respected man in Shushan, whose plot to annihilate the Jews ended up in his own destruction. Sadly this anger towards the Jews was simply an extension of his anger towards one Jew – Mordecai, who continually refused to bow or pay homage to him.

When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, ….. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus – the people of Mordecai. Esther 3:5-6 NKJV

The root cause of outbursts of rage can be attributed to tension from past or present fears, failures and hurts. The memories of these events and its accompanying sentiments do not naturally go away; whether you are a born again Christian or not! It is the pile ups of fears, failures and hurts that often erupt into outbursts of rage at the least trigger; and so it is important for us to deal with those events prayerfully. We are to learn from the experiences of the Bible characters and not repeat their mistakes:

These things that were written in the Scriptures so long ago are to teach us patience and to encourage us. Romans 15:4 The Living Bible

Indeed, past, present or future fears, failures and hurts underlying our angry outbursts, will have to be deliberately dealt with through prayer and repentance. Any time you happen to burst out into anger, as a born again Christian though, you will feel a strong uneasiness in your spirit and an urge for you to make peace with the object of your anger.

As you heed to the promptings of the Holy Spirit within you, you will begin to take steps that will bring reconciliation and peace between two parties. This is important in our walk with the Lord.

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Rom 12:18-10 NKJV

Considering what uncontrolled anger can lead to, we are cautioned to get rid of angry sentiments quickly, so as not to give the devil a foothold over our lives. We may get angry though, but let us not sin by nursing that grudge and letting the sun go down on our anger; for if we do not get over the anger quickly, we will give the enemy a foothold on our lives.

Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Eph 4:26-28 NKJV

Difficult though it may be, we all need to learn to be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another even as God in Christ has forgiven us. (Eph 4:31-32)

May the Lord help us, by the power of His Holy Spirit, to get rid of contentions and outbursts of wrath in all our dealings, as we strive to be at peace with all men.

Stay connected for a continuation of this weekly teaching!

God bless you.

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