Pilate reminded the infuriated Jews of the custom at Passover:

(NASB) John 18:39-40 “”˜But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?”™

40 So they cried out again, saying, “˜Not this Man, but Barabbas.”™ Now

Barabbas was a robber.”

This man, Barabbas, had taken part in a rebellion ““ the same accusation the Jews had brought against Jesus (which Jesus had not done). How twisted was the thinking of these men. Anger, hatred, jealousy and fear convoluted the thoughts of these leaders.

What causes you to become angry? What triggers that emotion which wants to control and master you? More importantly, what are you to do to master that anger that wants to master you?

God says: (NIV) Ephesians 4:22-27 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26″˜In your anger do not sin”™: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Anger effectively ties our hands as if we were handcuffed. God”™s liberty (freedom) is found in His law, and that is where we are to look intently:

(NIV) James 1:19-21, 25 “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man”™s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

25“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it ““ he will be blessed in what he does.”

Anger is an emotion which controls quickly”¦how thankful I am that my faith is not based on my emotions but upon the Lord Jesus Christ and what He accomplished for me on the cross. God”™s forgiveness covers my anger when I confess it as sin before God. (See 1 John 1:9) Then will I have mastered anger by depending on God and His forgiveness”¦that”™s faith in action.