Taming the Tongue, Part 4: Angry Words // Jamie Nunnally

Victory Fellowship Church Podcast

We've all done it: something makes us mad and we start punching others with our words. Let's learn to use our words according to God's design. In this message, Pastor Jamie shares how we can overcome angry words.

Angry words are the idle words and the ugly words we say when we get mad.

Being angry is not a sin.

Jesus got angry.

Mark 3:5 ESV

The goal for a Christian isn't to never get angry; the goal is never let anger cause you to sin.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (Psalm 4:4)ESV Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.

Live WITH your anger but don't live BY your anger.

How do we stop angry words?

1. Ask God to be your editor, not your janitor.

In our anger we often say whatever comes to mind and we make a mess. But God doesn't just want to be your janitor and clean up your mess; He wants to be your editor and clean up your mouth.

Prov 17:27-28 NLT We've got to stop giving ourselves permission to say everything we think.

2. Learn to intentionally respond, not instinctively react.

An intentional response is measured, thoughtful, and deliberate. An instinctive reaction is unrestrained, emotional, and immediate.

Proverbs 12:16 NIV Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.

3. Remove "fighting words" from your vocabulary.

Fighting words are words to that cause people to fight about things instead of fix things.

Prov 12:18 NIV The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Examples of fighting words:

Always/never

Name calling/insults

Bringing up the past

Tone

4. Adopt God's perspective on people.

Don't treat people based on who you think they are, treat them based on who God says they are.

2 Corinthians 5:15-16 NLT

"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." - Eric Hoffer

Christians are the dwelling place of God. When you speak angry words at Christians, you are trashing God's house.

If you're not kind to others, God may have to get on their side to defend them against you!

Ever heard someone called a "loose cannon?"

That phrase came from the fact that cannons on ships had wheels for when it recoiled when being shot. A loose cannon was one that wasn't properly secured and it would kick back, roll everywhere and endanger the crew on the ship. Without restraints, a loose cannon can potentially not just destroy enemy ships, but destroy the ship its on. We are loose cannons when we declare war with our words when there is no war. We're a loose cannon when we don't restrain our words and hurt our friends and family with "friendly fire." Don't be a loose cannon and destroy your own ship.

Are you speaking angry words?