Devotional: Dealing with Anger

 Day 3 – Righteous vs. Unrighteous Anger

Scripture: “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” – Psalm 145:8

Reflection:

Not all anger is the same. Righteous anger reflects God’s heart against injustice, oppression, or sin. Unrighteous anger, however, is rooted in selfishness, pride, or impatience. Chapman urges us to discern whether our anger aligns with God’s purposes or simply our preferences.

Application:

Think about a recent time you were angry. Was it rooted in protecting God’s values—or defending your own ego? Bring that situation before God and ask Him to purify your heart.

Challenge:

When anger rises today, pause and pray: “Lord, is this Your anger or mine?” Write down your answer and how you responded.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to be slow to anger like You. Show me when to stand firm in righteous anger and when to let go of selfish anger. amen.

Devotional: Dealing with Anger

 Day 2 – The Wisdom of Listening

Scripture: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:19–20

Reflection:

Anger often escalates when we react instead of listening. Chapman emphasizes that unprocessed anger damages relationships, but patient listening opens the door to peace. When we truly hear another person, our anger often softens.

Application:

Today, when someone frustrates you, resist the urge to interrupt or defend. Instead, listen carefully and reflect back what you hear before responding.

Challenge:

Have one intentional conversation today where you practice listening without interrupting. Notice how it changes your level of frustration or anger.

Prayer:

Father, slow me down when my heart races with anger. Teach me to listen more than I speak, so that my response brings peace and not harm. Amen.

Devotional: Dealing with Anger

 Day 1 – The Gift of Anger

Scripture: “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” – Ephesians 4:26

Reflection:

Anger is not always sinful—it’s an emotion given by God. Gary Chapman explains that anger can reveal our deepest values and what we believe is right or wrong. The danger is not in the emotion itself, but in how we express it. Anger becomes destructive when it controls us instead of us controlling it.

Application:

Pause and ask yourself: Why am I angry? Is it because of genuine injustice, or because of personal inconvenience or pride? Naming the source is the first step toward using anger redemptively.

Challenge:

The next time you feel angry, stop and write down the reason. Ask: Is this righteous or selfish anger? Pray over it before responding.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for giving me emotions, even anger. Help me to understand its source and express it in a way that honors You. Amen.

Devotional: Choosing the lower seat

Day 5 – For an Audience of One

Theme: Whose approval matters most?

Scripture: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

—1 Corinthians 10:31

Devotional Thought:

Every day, we stand before two audiences: the crowd or the Creator. One gives applause. The other gives eternal reward. One is fickle. The other is faithful. If we live for people’s praise, we’ll always need more. But if we live for God’s approval, we’ll never lack joy—even in obscurity.

George Müller cared for thousands of orphans with quiet faith. He didn’t promote himself—he trusted God to provide and notice. And God did.

You are fully seen. Fully loved. And fully known—by the only One whose opinion truly matters.

Reflection Questions:

1. Whose voice carries the most weight in your life?
2. How would your actions change if you lived only for God’s eyes?

Action Step:

Take time to reflect today. Ask yourself honestly: “Am I doing this for God or for people?” Adjust one thing this week to align more with living for God’s glory.

Prayer:

Father, help me silence the noise of public opinion. I want to live for Your glory, not human praise. Anchor me in Your approval. Amen.

Devotional: Choosing the lower seat

Day 4 – Loving Without Agenda

Theme: Serve those who cannot repay you.

Scripture: “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind… You will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

—Luke 14:13–14

Devotional Thought:

Jesus shifts the focus from honor to hospitality. He challenges us to give—not to those who can return the favor—but to those who can’t. That’s real love. That’s gospel-shaped generosity. It mirrors the grace God shows us: undeserved, unearned, freely given.

Reflection Questions:

1. Who do you typically serve or invite? People who benefit you, or those in need?
2. What does it look like to give without expecting return?

Action Step:

Find one tangible way to serve or bless someone who cannot repay you. It could be as simple as a meal, a ride, a visit, or a gift.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to love like You love. Break any selfishness in my service. Let me serve not for reward, but because You first served me. Amen.