Daily Devotional
Following Your Anger to the Root
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 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.”
Hebrews 12:14-15
December 4, 2021
Ponder This
Sudden anger is to be controlled until you have a chance to think it through. Sinful anger is to be condemned immediately. Stubborn anger is to be conquered. How are you going to conquer it? You’ve got to trace it back and say, “Why am I such an angry person?” You’ve got to go back to find out where that root of bitterness is because, no matter how much you pick the tops off those dandelions, the roots are there; you need to get to the root of the matter and analyze it.
Ephesians 4:31 says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger … and evil speaking be put away from you.” If you’re not willing to put it away, God’s not going to do it for you. The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, means “a change of mind.” Until you choose against bitterness, wrath, anger, and evil, nobody is going to choose against it for you.
- What are some questions you might ask to help you trace the roots of bitterness in your life?
- Why is repentance necessary in the process of uprooting stubborn anger?
Practice This
Make a list of areas in your life where you’re particularly prone to anger. Ask God to help you trace the roots of this anger and repent as needed.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
