Slow to Anger

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

I have been a Christ follower over 45 years. During that time, I have made great efforts in reflecting the character of my Lord, and my God. If the truth were told, I could make a fairly long list of things I still need to work on to be more like my Savior. 

One of the things on my list is anger. Nahum said the Lord is “slow to anger.” [Nahum 1:3] Not me! I’m rather quick—actually, I’ve faster than a speeding bullet when it comes to anger!

I find that I am particularly quick in anger when my pride has undergone assault. Regardless, I’ve found that my anger accomplishes nothing good. It really makes me wonder if Jesus was considered a “friend of sinners” because He was slow to anger, interacting with them with grace and acceptance. 

God is especially slow to anger with regards to the unrepentant, desiring their repentance. Peter reminded us of that: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering [slow in anger] toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. [2 Peter 3:9]

We would do well as Christ followers to share in that longing rather than looking forward to their punishment. Responding to the ungodly with love and grace will enhance our message, one that should be heeded. Likewise, it will show that the Gospel message is truly GOOD NEWS!

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. Psalm 145:8