Dear brothers and sisters:

It is Friday again! I hope you are well…Whatever you may do today I hope that there is no quarrel and dispute.

Quarrels and disputes occur frequently and in all areas of human life. In the family, in marriage, at work or at school. Even in Christian churches or Christian groups such as this one.

Today’s watchword is about the brothers of Joseph. Joseph did reveal his identity. He was the second most powerful man in Egypt – the man they wanted to kill but then “only” had sold as slave. This Joseph had peace with God and with his brothers before they even knew who he was. But his brothers were not at peace. I think Joseph knew that strife is actually an expression of their own dispeace so he gave them probably the advice: “Do not quarrel on the way.”

Using the example of Joseph we can see how the peace with God can change our perspective and thus leads to peace with one another. In my opinion the story of Joseph is very impressive and it is one of my favorite.
Of course this also includes forgiveness. Only when we forgive our fellow human beings we can even get to this peace and God expects that we forgive so that he can give us eternal inner peace.

What about us?
All of us have problems controlling our temper at times. Some of us have habitual problems. What is the problem with anger? What is the danger?
Some people assume that Christians should never show signs of a temper. If a Christian raises his voice or becomes visibly upset, some people think or act as though he violated his duty as a Christian.

Consider:
GOD is angry with sin.
Psalm 7:11 – Because He is a just God, God is angry with sinners every day. Surely God’s anger is not wrong. It is proper, for it is even based on His justice.
Many other passages show that God is angry when people commit sin. He will punish sinners in wrath. If God is infinitely righteous yet is often angry, why should we conclude that people are always wrong when they are angry?

MOSES was angry with sin.
The Bible says Moses was more meek than anyone else on earth (Num. 12:3), yet several times he acted and spoke in great anger.
JESUS was angry with sin.
Mark 3:5 – When Jews condemned Jesus for healing on the sabbath, He looked on them in anger, being grieved at their hardness of heart. Jesus became angry and spoke in anger, even when teaching. Did He sin (Heb. 4:15)?

BUT ANGER CAN BE ALSO A DANGER!
Anger can cause us to sin in two different ways:
1. Anger can cause us to “blow up.”
Proverbs 29:11,20
Ephesians 4:31,32
Genesis 4:4-8

2. Anger can cause us to “clam up.”
Ephesians 4:31,32 – Anger and wrath should be “put away” from us, along with bitterness and malice. But instead of putting away their anger, some people just put it inside: they let it build up bitterness and grudges. They may not say anything, but their hearts are full of malice and a desire to hurt others.

Ephesians 4:26 – Do not let the sun go down on your wrath. Instead of letting anger build up, we should get rid of it. One who “clams up” violates this part of the passage. He may not lash out to hurt others, but neither does he work constructively to eliminate the cause of his anger. He just lets it build up.
James 1:19 – Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. Note that it says be slow to wrath and slow to speak, not “refuse” to speak.

Leviticus 19:17,18 – Hating our brother and holding a grudge against him in our heart violates the law of loving our neighbor as ourselves (which is also a New Testament law). To avoid this, rebuke him: talk to him about his wrong.
BUT anger can be controlled. Jesus was angry at times and was tempted in all points like we are, but He did not sin (Heb. 4:15). He controlled His anger, and we can control ours. The examples of Moses and others who were angry without sinning show that anger can be controlled.

Here are some wise advices to help you control your anger:
1. Study the Scriptures and Develop a Plan.
2. Repent and Pray.
3. Discuss the Problem with Other Christians.
4. Avoid Hot-Tempered People.
5. Think before You Speak or Act.
6. Work to Solve the Problem that Angered You.
7. Apologize to Those You Have Hurt.
8. Forgive Those Who Have Hurt You.

As with all sins, God does not just tell us what to quit. He also tells us what to do to correct our problem. He does not leave us alone with our problems. You can find a solution for every problem of our daily life. Where? In His Holy Word – the Bible. It is HIS personal message for YOU to help you and make you live a better life here on earth. Anger is often a deep-seated habit, but anyone can overcome it by diligent application of God’s pattern.
Have you done what you should to be forgiven of your sins? Is there someone you have harmed in anger? Are there sins against others you need to make right? Are there known errors that you need to make right before the whole church? If so, do it today.

I do not know about you but as far as I’m concerned I think quarrels and disputes are terrible. I need harmony. Disagreements are fine but they need not end in dispute, quarrel and then maybe even in hate and very angry enmity. It is more than sad to see how the great love suddenly turns to pure hate. How can that be ?!
Only God and the peace that we have through Him can save us from ending like some people and their relationships or marriages.
We must not allow that the evil “seeds weed” and “suffocates the good and delicate little plants” in our personal life. Please do not allow that – do not cease to pray and to forgive each other.
If necessary, we should start today!
And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you. (Ephesians4:32)
Watchword And Doctrinal Text For the Day, Friday, December 5:
Joseph said to his brothers, “Do not quarrel along the way.”
Genesis 45:24
Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3

Mighty Counselor, we struggle to be respectful and loving towards those with whom we disagree. Guide us in paths of peace, give us ears to listen to one another, help us to bear with one another in love, so that even in our disagreements we may witness to your love. Amen.