Genesis 4:5-7 (NLT) - 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. 6 “Why are you so angry?” the LORD asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”
Today we are dealing with HOT EMOTIONS.
1. Red is NORMAL.
Sad translates to crying and moping.
Happy translates to laughing and snickering.
Fearful translates to running and hiding.
Anger translates to yelling, destroying, hitting, you fill in the ____________.
Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV) — Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
2. Red can be DANGEROUS.
You can destroy your reputation.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NLT) — Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.
You can destroy your relationships.
Proverbs 22:24-25 (NLT) — Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
You can destroy your health.
Heart attacks, strokes, and lung disease increase.
Lifespan and immune system decrease.
3. Red can be AVOIDED.
Don’t live on yellow.
Avoid erratic sleep habits.
Stop ignoring symptoms of overload.
Don’t bottle up frustration - HAVE CONVERSATIONS!
Refuse to carry emotional baggage.
Know the causes.
Pride and control
Powerlessness and pain
Overload
4. Red can be MANAGED.
Use the “Memote” control.
Pause - Don’t allow your impulsive mind to react; let the rational mind have its way. Survive the first wave.
Forward - Think through to the end before you act.
Volume Down - Immediately regulate your volume. Proverbs 15:1 (NLT) — A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
Mute - Be quiet until you get control.
Record - Listen intently. Sometimes you are wrong.
Rewind - After it’s over, reflect.
The Spirit’s Role
Galatians 5:16 (NLT) — So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Practical Tools
Breathe right.
Create an emotion vs. reason list.
Count to ten.
Sleep on it.
Smile and laugh more.
Take control of your self-talk.
Put a mental recharge into your schedule.
5. Red can be RIGHTEOUS.
A zeal for the helpless
Mark 3:5 (NLT) — He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts.
