Be angry, and do not sin.

Tonight as I was winding down the evening heading towards bedtime, my little bird was hanging out with me.  She is very social and and is for the most part a well behaved sweet bird, but tonight something must have upset her because she bit me on the ear.

This made me angry and I quickly sought to get her off my shoulder and out of danger of biting me again.

But I thought about this after she was back in her cage.  What if in my anger I had been too rough with her?  She's a little bird after all and should be handled gently.  Even if she upset me for a moment, the fact is I like her and I don't want to hurt her.

The Bible advises us not to sin when we are angry in both Ephesians and Psalms.  I find this a helpful concept. It doesn't say not to ever get angry.  Sometimes things happen that rightfully cause feelings of frustration  It's okay to have a feeling.

The challenge is, what you do with the feeling.   I'm glad I didn't hurt my bird when she upset me.   But like a small bird, people's emotions can be fragile as well.

Psalms 4:4 says, "Be angry, and do not sin.  Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still."

This is pretty good advice.  Sometimes we need a cooling off period when something has caused a strong negative emotion.  But take a look at the rest of the Psalm.  It ends with peace and sleep.  That's a great promise.

"Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the Lord.
There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalms 4:4-8 


(Biblegateway.com)