What steps help overcome "fits of rage" mentioned in Galatians 5:20? Seeing Fits of Rage through God’s Eyes “idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, rivalries, divisions, factions” (Galatians 5:20). • Paul lists “fits of rage” among the works of the flesh—evidence of a heart surrendered to self rather than to God (Galatians 5:19-21). • Unchecked anger keeps us from inheriting the kingdom (v. 21) and blocks fellowship with the Lord (Psalm 66:18). Understanding the Root Causes • James 4:1—“What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?” • Self-centered desires, wounded pride, and unmet expectations feed outbursts (Proverbs 29:22). • Ephesians 4:31 calls rage something we must “get rid of,” not merely manage. Submitting to the Holy Spirit • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Steps: – Confess rage as sin (1 John 1:9). – Ask the Spirit to fill and control you each day (Ephesians 5:18). – Remember you are crucified with Christ; the old self’s rights died with Him (Galatians 2:20). Replacing Rage with the Fruit of the Spirit “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). • Love—forgives offenses (1 Peter 4:8). • Peace—guards hearts when worries trigger anger (Philippians 4:6-7). • Patience—endures irritation without explosion (Proverbs 16:32). • Self-control—keeps emotions under Spirit rule (2 Timothy 1:7). Daily Practices that Foster Self-Control • Slow down: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19-20). • Memorize calming verses (Psalm 37:8; Proverbs 15:1) and recite them when tension rises. • Breathe and step away before responding (Proverbs 14:29). • Replace harsh words with gentle answers (Proverbs 15:1). • Stay accountable—invite a mature believer to ask how you handled anger this week (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). • Serve the person who provokes you; overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Running the Race with Others • Seek reconciliation quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). • Let Christ’s example shape responses: “When He suffered, He made no threats” (1 Peter 2:23). • Fix eyes on Jesus, who endured hostility so we “will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3). By continually yielding to the Spirit, filling the mind with God’s Word, and practicing these steps, fits of rage are displaced by the peace and power of Christ living within. |
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