WHY IS EVERYONE ANGRY on MARCH 31st?

 PARABLE of NATIONAL ANGER DAY

COLLEGE KIDS EAT WITH THEIR PASTOR

The leader of the College group, Pastor Dave eats lunch with three college students having anger issues.

Radu the African American student asks, "Why is everyone angry every year on March 31st?"

Dave replies, "Could it be the weather, changing seasons or spiritual warfare provoking everyone to anger?"

Raul the Hispanic student adds, "Why don't we ask Jack, he's a red headed Irishman."

Jack blurts out, "It's a myth that having red hair or being Irish makes you more angry than anyone else."

Pastor Dave says, "What does God think about anger and how should we react?"

Radu smiles, " Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires."  

(James 1:19-20 NLT - New Living Translation)

Raul states, "Anger is one of the emotions that the Lord has given everyone; but we need to control it."

Pastor Dave quotes, "Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, and don’t give place to the devil." (Ephesisans 4:26-27 WEB ~ World English Bible)

Jack adds, "I've seen people lose their tempers at church, weddings, birthdays, Christmas parties and even on airplanes."

Pastor Dave remarks, "Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions,  envy, 

drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."  (Galatians 5:19-21  CSB - Christian Standard Bible)

Radu adds, "But now also put these things out of your life: anger, bad temper, doing or saying things to hurt others, and using evil words when you talk."  

(Colossians 3:8  NCV - New Century Version)

Raul, "What makes me angry is wealthy people who have beautiful homes, cars and boats and I have to struggle to work for a living."

Pastor Dave replies, "Should we be wealthy building our kingdom now, or should we be storing riches in heaven?"

Radu speaks to Raul, "Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?"  (Proverbs 27:4  ASV - American Standard Version)

Pastor Dave continues, "One last question, is it wise to have friends who are always angry?"

Radu blurts out, "Don’t associate with an angry man; make no hot-tempered man your companion. If you do, you may learn his way and find yourself caught in a trap."  (Proverbs 22:24-25  CJB - Complete Jewish Bible)

Pastor Dave concludes, "God wants us to first examine ourselves.  If we are angry, get over it before sunset, and forgive everyone before you go to sleep.  Don't carry on your anger, day after day, year after year!  Remember, we're here to help and pray for each other.

                                RADU

 "I guess I have a hard time forgiving."

                                RAUL

 "I have a big problem with jealously."

                                JACK

 "I am no longer going to be angry because other people want me to respond in anger."

                                DAVE

"Soloman the wisest man who ever lived on earth said, "Control your angry thoughts.  Only fools allow their anger to continue."  (Ecclesiastes 7:9  EASY - English Bible) 

                                RAUL

"If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you.  But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins."  (Matthew 6:13-15 CEV - Contempary English Version)