Anger's Progression From Feeling to Fatal

Reading: Genesis 4:8; James 1:19-21; Ephesians 4:26-27

Devotional: Cain didn't murder Abel impulsively—he planned it. Anger became jealousy. Jealousy became pride. Pride rejected correction. Rejected correction opened the door to murder. Sin never stays contained; it always progresses. What starts as irritation can end in devastation if left unmastered. James warns us to be "slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." Unchecked anger gives the enemy a foothold. It distorts our perspective, damages relationships, and destroys our witness. The time to deal with anger is before it takes root, not after it bears fruit. God's warning remains relevant: "Sin is crouching at your door; you must master it." Don't minimize what you're feeling—acknowledge it, analyze it, and surrender it to God before it masters you.

Reflection: What anger am I carrying that needs to be surrendered before it progresses?