Scripture to Read: Nehemiah 5:6
Today we find, in Nehemiah 5:6, after hearing the outcry of the people, that Nehemiah became angry. Anger is a God-given emotion, and anger is not always a sin. God warns us in Ephesians 4:26-27, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity.” Our Lord Jesus Christ became angry with the people in the synagogue, in Mark 3:5, because they were looking for a way to accuse Him of working on the Sabbath. Getting angry at the things that anger God is good. God never wants us to be controlled by our anger or to let our anger linger so that we never give the devil an opportunity. God again commands us and reminds us that our anger never achieves His righteousness. We read this clearly in James 1:19-20, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Nehemiah had a righteous anger because the people were fighting among themselves and had been mistreating one another due to their greed, those who were taking advantage of others just to fill their own pockets with more money. We must guard against unrighteous anger and make sure we never take advantage of the needy but seek to come alongside them and help them in their need.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about anger and helping others in need?
2. How will you choose to guard your emotions from being sinful and also help others who are in need?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!