Why should I change?

Road Signs.... What’s their purpose?!

Let’s look at a scenario...

• Sarah gets really angry that her sister went into her room without her permission and used her iPod.

• How do you think Sarah might react (because of her anger)?

• How should she react?

• What makes you angry?

• When was the last time you got angry?

• What do you usually do when you’re angry?

Is FEELING angry a sin?

• Anger is just an emotion• There’s even righteous anger

• Can anyone give me an example?

What matters is WHY you’re angry and HOW

you deal with your anger

• Am I angry for selfish and prideful reasons?

• Or am I angry for a righteous reason?

HOW TO DEAL?

• Be calm and open minded.

• If you become angry, do not STAY angry for long – Do not let the sun go down on your wrath

(Ephesians 4:26)

• Control your tongue and your actions

• Only start any discussion when you’re calm

Simple things to think about• Think of how you easily could have done the same

mistake• Think about how many times you’ve wronged other

people or made THEM angry• Think about how many times we disobey God, and

how many times He forgives us• Think about how the other person might not have

meant what they did (accident) • Think about God’s love for each person and for the

person that has wronged you. • Think about all the good things this person did for you

Let’s look at a rail road crossing sign

How can this road sign help us with our anger?

• When I feel myself getting angry, I should STOP

• Wait till I calm down first,

• And the anger CROSSES and goes away, before I should say or do anything

• “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” (Matthew 5:22)

“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way.

First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24)

Let’s look at another scenario...

• When Monica says something, people usually don’t believe her.

• They always tell her to swear so they can believe her.

• What’s wrong with this picture?

“But let your let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No’, ‘No’. For whatever is more that these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)

“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.” (James 5:12)

Road sign that applies...

WHAT CAN WE DO THEN?

• A person who always lies and exaggerates won’t get anyone to believe him

• If we tell the truth all the time, we will become trust worthy people. Don’t need to swear for people to believe us!

Clue # 3:

Matthew 5:23-24