Wrath
Wrath is defined as “strong vengeful anger or indignation.” In Christians it can come from being repeatedly distressed over the
injustice and unfairness of “what’s wrong with the world.” In any event no matter how bad things may seem from time to time, we
as believers are to “cease from anger, forsake wrath; do not fret – it only causes harm.” (Ps. 37:8)
You might say, ‘God had wrath and Moses had to talk Him out of letting it loose.’ (Ex. 32:11) Well - [1] God’s wisdom is perfect, [2]
God doesn’t have a flesh nature to cloud His judgment and [3] He relented from His wrath.
Unchecked, wrath leads to vengeance and retaliation. If not forsaken, wrath will burn until something or someone gets
punished. “Vengeance is Mine” says the Lord. (Deut. 32:35) It is a phrase we often hear, but too often we hear “but Lord, just
use me” added! That would be funnier if so many believers and yet-to-be-believers weren’t hurt by people unleashing wrath and
punishment.
I recall a news story that provoked wrath. The price of gasoline rose to $.43 in Iraq, while the U.S rose to over $3.00. MAN! Wrath
started to burn in me until the Lord spoke to me and said, “Yes, gas is cheap there . . . and so is life.” That helped me recognize
that there are mass e-mails, news reports, and alarm letters propagated to provoke wrath among our Christian Culture. These
reports are an attempt to agitate us into a place we are not called to be, and to act in ways which may not be scripturally correct.
With all the injustice in the world, the flagrant abominations in the arts, and cultic organizations enslaving the minds of children
and adults, what are we supposed to do?
[1] Love [with God’s kind of Love] those people who persecute you and oppose God’s right way to live. (Matt.5:24) Hate evil – love
people. Comprehend that no group, organization, government or nation has the power to stand up against the Will of the Lord for
very long. Have faith and believe that the fervent effectual prayer of the righteous avails much. (James 5:16)
[2] Pray for the right things. Pray that righteousness fills the whole earth. (Isaiah 45:8) Our fight is against spiritual wickedness
affecting the lives of people, not against the people who are being affected by evil. (Eph. 6:12) Mr. Larry Flint was shot for “being
evil”, and 20 years later there are a thousand porn-peddlers ready to take his place. We must “aim our ammunition higher” to
change this world, our country, our state, our city, our workplace and our neighborhood for good.
[3] Live the right way. (Titus 2:12) Be an example of how to live in the perfect law of liberty, loving one another. Let the fruits of the
Spirit be adjectives people use to describe you. (Gal. 5:22) You can influence everyone and be influential everywhere you go.
Consider it the “works” that go along with your faith. Be ready to diffuse anger and forsake wrath in others, in yourself and life
situations. Work to be the light of the world in your arena. (Phil. 2:15)
Let us powerfully pray for, and unconditionally love the people of this world until Jesus comes back. Let us lift up the mighty
name of Jesus and He will draw all men unto Himself. Let us exercise to the fullest all the spiritual gifts we have been given, and
let patience have its perfect work that we might be complete, lacking nothing, in Jesus’ Name.
Love In Christ,
Gregory & Linda Emler
