Discover the unique Christian perspective on anger and honesty. Learn how truth-telling must be paired with love and why anger can be a necessary reaction to injustice. Explore the importance of managing emotions without falling into sin, and understand the power of forgiveness. The discussion delves into the complexities of communicating difficult truths, encouraging a thoughtful approach to expressing anger constructively. Ultimately, it highlights the call to emulate Christ’s character in all interactions.
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Truth-Telling with Love
Speak truthfully with your neighbor, aiming to penetrate their heart with truth.
Consider their receptiveness and tailor your approach accordingly, prioritizing love and unity.
insights INSIGHT
The Christian View of Anger
Christianity views anger as potentially righteous, unlike other perspectives that see it as inherently negative.
Suppressing or denying anger is wrong; it is sometimes a duty to be angry.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Tragedy of Uncontrolled Anger
Keller recounts a funeral he conducted for a young man who committed suicide after being rejected by his girlfriend.
The anecdote illustrates the destructive potential of uncontrolled anger.
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In 'Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?', Timothy Keller emphasizes the central role forgiveness plays in human lives. He argues that forgiveness is essential for moving past transgressions without succumbing to resentment or vengeance. Keller provides detailed steps on how to forgive, balancing justice with humanity, drawing heavily from biblical teachings and contemporary cultural insights.
Christianity has an amazing approach to lying and to anger that almost nobody else has. For truth-telling, it says truth must always be told with love. And for anger, it says, “Be ye angry, and sin not.”
Paul doesn’t say, “Well if you get angry, it might be okay.” He says, “Be angry. Do it.” Very often it is wrong not to be angry. But then he turns around and says, “and sin not.” It must mean two things: that anger can easily lead to sin and trouble, and that it’s possible to be angry but not become sinful.
Ephesians 4 shows us a lot about lying and anger. Let’s look at 1) what it means to speak the truth in love. And then we’ll discuss how 2) anger is not wrong in itself, 3) we are to sin not, and 4) we have a way to deal with anger.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on January 27, 1991. Series: Christian Lifestyle. Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32.
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