Releasing Others From Your Anger...Before Sin

Mark 11:15 - Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; 

This scripture has often been misused to justify angry behavior in God's people. Whenever Christians become angry and act out the justification goes something like this: 

"Well, what do you think was happening with Jesus when he turned over the tables of the money changers?" 

Rather than repent of the sin the person moves forward in the same attitude. The truth is this is a gross misuse of scripture. Most times when we get angry it's because someone has done something to us that was hurtful. They've said something, or done something, or even omitted something, that was an offense to us. We move forward in anger against them, holding onto whatever they did and feeling righteous in our anger and hurt, as if they deserve our anger for what they did. 

Yet, we don't comprehend God's anger in the Old Testament when His people consistently defied His word and continually sinned against His creation. Enter Jesus, the sacrifice. He took the sins of the world and allowed that sin to be applied to himself. He was punished severely for our sins so that we wouldn't have to suffer the ultimate punishment of separation from God. So, now as born again people we are card carrying citizens of Heaven, free from punishment of sin. Still, when someone sins and hurts us, we react in anger and want to punish, even after God forgives us for so much and delivers us from the wages of sin.

What does His word say about anger? Jesus says things like, "If your brother hits you on the cheek, turn the other one and offer it to him also." He consistently chides us not to respond to offense in anger, but in love. Still, we latch on to how this person has done us wrong. Not moved with any compassion or sorrow, just intent that they need to get what's coming to them. But we gave up our right to be angry with all people for offending us when we accepted Jesus and what He did for us at the cross. Not only was He pierced for my sins, but for all who accept His sacrifice. I forfeit my forgiveness when I don't rush to forgive others. (Matthew 6:15)

So, why the table? Was that sin? No, Jesus responded to the offense of the kingdom. The spectacle of people buying and selling for profit in the Father's house was not acceptable. When we get angry, which we will, it should not be for our own sake, but for the sake of the kingdom. Get angry with the dark spirit realm that seeks to take us out, kill us, destroy us. But, not with each other. This life is short and we are but a vapor while eternity is so long it's beyond comprehension. When evil threatens to destroy the kingdom, or take away God's promises we need to strike back in the spirit with deliverance driving out satanic forces in prayer. 

We are inundated with satan's response to offense. Random road rage, angry people of all ages posting punches and fights and tirades on Youtube, which the media picks up and then we see it again on TV, newsprint, and various websites. Anger is everywhere, but according to Pew research 78% of us claim Jesus as our Savior!

Serious disconnect. Let's try living this out. The next time we get angry, instead of punching or hitting or cursing or, for us passive aggressives, hurting them in an inconspicuous way, we'll get on our knees. A prayer could go something like this:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the grace and mercy of the cross. Thank you for Jesus' sacrifice and for giving me authority to bind and loose evil spirits, to cast out demons in Jesus name, and to heal sickness and disease. I repent of my anger towards (insert name). I love them and I know you do too. Please forgive me for my behavior or my attitude of unforgiveness. I forgive them with my whole heart. Now I bind the spirit of (name the function of it) in Jesus name. I bind it and suspend all of its activity in the heavenly realm. Spirit of (name the function of it) I cast you out now, I strike and drive at you to your destruction in the name of Jesus. Thank you Father for your love and protection over Your people. Thank you for sending angels to fight. I receive the release now in Jesus' name. 

(You can find more info about deliverance at this link: doersoftheword.org )

Then, let it go. Remember that God loves who you're angry with as much as He loves you. He's not on "your side". He's waiting for you to be obedient to Him so He can restore you. Repent so you can shut down those evil forces.