It's Not A Sin to Feel Disappointment and Anger, But Those Feelings Can Lead to Sin When They're Not Addressed
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3
When I read the Bible, I read it with the expectation that God will speak to me every time, and this morning was no different. Some days I enter into my quiet time feeling happy and ready to hear from the Lord, and other days, like today, I come to him ready for him to mend my heart.
This season of life has been filled with life-giving moments, but there have also been a couple of moments in the last year that were hurtful. I processed my immense hurt and anger in a healthy way (after repenting for what I felt in my heart), but it took some time to process the feelings of loss that ensued. Sadness, disappointment, and anger are not necessarily sins, but those things can lead to sin if we don’t face them and surrender them to the Lord.
My severe disappointment and anger attempted to suck the joy out of me for a few days, yet the reality is that I must choose my perspective. Do they need to be sorry for me to forgive them? Nope.
Will I view those who hurt me through the lens of my disappointment, or will I remember that hurting people hurt people? The latter doesn’t make their words and actions acceptable, but it does help me offer grace.
When I read Ephesians 4 this morning, I was reminded of one of the first passages of scripture I learned as a child - verses that have carried me through tough situations, and will do it again now.
Get rid of all rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32
While I may not always be offered grace from people, I have always been offered grace from God, and His Word makes it clear that I must offer grace and forgiveness just like he forgave me.
Religion says that we shouldn’t express anger, frustration, sadness, etc. because we’re Christians, but that’s not what God says at all. The Bible says to give all of your worries and cares to God.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
Peace is already available to us through Christ, but we have to choose to accept it. Joy is a choice too. So, if your heart is hurting right now, I hope you’ll receive those gifts that are already available to you. The hurt, disappointment, and anger you’ve experienced may not be your fault, but it’s your responsibility to forgive them. If you’re not sure where to start, pray like this:
Lord,
I’m sorry for the spiteful, sinful thoughts I had when I felt attacked by people I trusted. Forgive me. I’ve turned away from those thoughts and will keep my focus on you.
Help me to see the ones who hurt me through the same lens of grace that you view me through, and mend their hurting hearts too.
You are gracious, loving, patient, and slow to anger, and I want to be more like you. Thank you for giving me the courage to obey you. I love you, Lord, and I trust you.
In your name, amen
