Why Are You Angry?

Daily Devotional – Saturday, January 21, 2023
So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?
Genesis 4:6 (NKJV)

Why are you angry? If we asked ourselves this question more often, we would avert a lot of trouble and misery. Uncontrolled anger is a catalyst for sin. God’s interaction with Cain illustrates this fact graphically.

Why are You Furious?

In Genesis Chapter 4, the first two offspring of the human race emerge: Cain and his younger brother, Abel. Details are scanty, but it is apparent that Adam and Eve have taught the two lads how and what to sacrifice to God.

In his misguided wisdom, Cain devises his own worship style and standard of righteousness. God accepts Abel’s sacrifice because it denotes that Abel is a repentant sinner in need of forgiveness.

Why are You So Upset?

Moses records that, “Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.” (Verse 5). Because God wants to help Cain avert a crisis, He asks the fuming man, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?” (Verse 6).

God is probing Cain so that he realizes and acknowledges his mistakes. Cain, though, is not repentant. He is not livid with himself for sinning against God. He directs his wrath at Abel, who had inadvertently exposed his brother’s disobedience.

Why are You So Upset?

God further stated, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Verse 7). Essentially, both obedience and disobedience have pertinent consequences, but you have the freedom and power of choice.

Notice the connection between anger and sin. Because Cain has disobeyed God, he is angry with Abel. If he does not control his fury, sin is waiting to pounce on him. Sustained rage later causes Cain to murder Abel.

Why Are You Fuming?

How often do we insult or demean others after failing to control our ire? Are there people we have hurt physically because we have allowed this intense negative emotion to numb our rational, moral, and spiritual faculties?

Before you act out of wrath, pause and ask yourself, “Why am I angry?” Heed this invaluable counsel by James: “… let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20).

Prayer
Lord Jesus, fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may bring my anger under control and avoid hurting You and my fellow human beings.