“How Dare You!” The Connection Between Pride And Anger
Why does Satan use our negative emotions to set off conflict?
Ephesians 6:10-12 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
There is an unseen battle taking place all around us that effect arguments, fights, riots, and wars. God’s enemy is always active, trying to create damage, chaos, and destruction in all our relationships. We are called to stand in the Lord’s strength, so that we can return hate speech with respect, truth, and kindness. Satan may not be seen, but he is all too real. Let’s choose not to be uses by Satan and instead have our Savior move through us in our conversations.
But how do we stand for God’s truth, in a world and culture that spits on God’s word and His people? First, we need to have humble hearts and depend upon the Holy Spirit. We also need to be quick to forgive!
Ephesians 4:26-27;31-32
26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil… 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
When we are controlled by anger, it’s like connecting a handle on the back of our heads for Satan to hold on and manipulate us in what he wants us to do for him. If we are living in chaos and anger, we won’t experience healthy relationship with the people in our lives. Satan is so manipulative he will infect our logic and reason with pride and anger. Thoughts like, “Only I should have the last word in this conversation.”
Does knowing Satan is at work behind the scenes change how you deal with disagreements in your home and workplace? How?
