Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?” Genesis 4:6 (NIV)
Have you ever gotten angry to the point that you did something so destructive that it affected the rest of your life? Hopefully not, but some of us have.
Anger has a way of neutralizing our capacity to control what we think and the way we act. In this verse, the Lord is speaking to Cain in an effort to bring him to his senses, but Cain refuses to listen. His anger spirals out of control, and he winds up killing his own brother. Read verses 7-12 to learn the consequences of Cain’s fatal mistake.
Anger is a God-given emotion. We all experience it. For leaders, it is especially important that we learn to exercise self-control over anger and any other emotion that could diminish our effectiveness in leading others.
What’s the way ahead?
- Decide that controlling your anger is within your capability- with God’s help, of course.
- Start right now- don’t delay!
- If you falter in your efforts, seek forgiveness and move forward. Don’t let Satan discourage you.
The content of this Devotional comes from “Daily Strength for the Battle (You, God’s Word, 5 Minutes): Volume 6 Developing the Leader in You” (2020) and is copyrighted by Scott and Judy McChrystal. Used with permission.
