How should Christians handle feelings of anger and pride, unlike Haman? Reading the Scene: Esther 5:10 “Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. And sending for his friends and his wife Zeresh, he recounted to them the splendor of his wealth, the number of his sons, and everything with which the king had honored him…” Where Haman Went Wrong: Pride Ignites Anger • Haman’s rage was sparked by a wounded ego (v. 9) and immediately fanned by prideful self-talk (v. 11). • Instead of humbling himself before God, he magnified himself before people—exactly what Proverbs 16:18 warns: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • His “restraint” was only external; internally, anger fermented into a murderous plot (v. 14). Recognizing the Heart Signals • Sudden irritation when honor is withheld (James 4:1-2). • A craving to broadcast achievements (Jeremiah 9:23-24). • Planning revenge or rehearsing grievances (Matthew 5:21-22). • Seeking allies who validate resentment (Psalm 1:1). Steps for Handling Anger God’s Way 1. Admit it quickly. ‑ “Be angry, yet do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26-27) 2. Submit the offense to God. ‑ “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7) 3. Refuse retaliation. ‑ “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19) 4. Replace wrath with blessing. ‑ “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) 5. Guard your mouth. ‑ “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” (Proverbs 15:1) 6. Invite the Spirit’s filling. ‑ “The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) 7. Make reconciliation a priority. ‑ “If your brother has something against you… be reconciled.” (Matthew 5:23-24) Cultivating Humility to Deflate Pride • Daily remember the Source of every good gift (James 1:17). • Boast only in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). • Serve rather than seek to be served (Mark 10:45). • Keep an eternal perspective: rewards come from God, not human applause (Colossians 3:23-24). • Practice gratitude; it shifts focus from self to God (Psalm 103:1-5). Walking in the Spirit, Not the Flesh Haman modeled the works of the flesh—“hatred, strife, jealousy, fits of rage” (Galatians 5:19-21). Christ calls believers to manifest the opposite—“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…” (Galatians 5:22-23). Remaining surrendered to the Spirit each day keeps anger and pride from ruling the heart and leads to the kind of humble, peace-making life that glorifies God. |
    |