Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.
This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)
Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!
Today's word: wrath
How would you define the word wrath?
What is the difference between God's wrath and our anger?
Let me know what you think!!
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
I'm going to wait and see what everyone ELSE says this week. I'm all stuck on the definitions that I've taught my classes. I want to hear the inspired connotations from the folks who read here.
ReplyDeleteOK, I just can't let it slip without my two cents worth. I tried. I just kept thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteI'll start with this one: I think God's wrath is justified. It's the fair response to provocation. Our anger, on the other hand, is often self-centered and in response to unchecked emotion.
Just some thoughts because I can't just zip it.
Funny I have only heard that word together with the word God. But I believe God's wrath is always put there as a reminder to stay on the right path. Sometime the wrath of God can be very harsh, but then often people need a real slap in the face to open their hearts again and strenghten their faith. He doesn't do this out of anger but love. So when we are angry and lash out most the time it is not out of love, so our anger is not the same. I can often ponder here for awhile. Thanks for sharing and getting me to stop for a minute and think. Hugs carrie
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteJames 1:20 - KJV
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
2 Thessalonnians 1:6 - KJV
Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.
Hey Shortie,
ReplyDeleteI think when God gets angry his wrath is righteous - when we get mad - it probably isn't.
Love,
sandie
The Wrath of God (Notice, if you will, the capital "W") Everybody's comments, in my opinion...were right on target. I agree with them all.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of God's Wrath, I immediately think of his perfection. His total and complete righteousness. His absolute hatred of sin. And...His love for us.
"Wrath" reminds me of the dark, velvety background that is a stark contrast to the beauty of the diamond that lays upon it.
Oh! I wanted to tell you that I love your blog!
ReplyDelete"Fan the Flame Friday" ... I love it! Great idea!
I also love how you encourage people to think when you ask them one simple question every week. Great blog! Great blogger!:)
When it comes to God's wrath, I'm thinking it is justify-able. When it comes to my anger, perhaps it's righteous, but not always!
ReplyDeleteBless you Sharon and thanks*,
ReplyDeleteI contemplated this in my other visit and decided I could not answer the question on God's wrath (God forbid) and our anger... except if it's justified anger. The problem lies with me having an explosive anger that caused problems in my home long ago. Yet when I read God's wrath in the Word, it makes me step back the same way and say "please Lord, hold it back." Yet I know that God has full right and wisdom to explode for all our sins... besides His Wrath is righteous and ours too often is not.
That being said, I am very angry at issues like the Human Trafficking issues etc. The funny (but not haha funny) thing is I just started a Bible reading plan Journey on anger and "the least of these" through American Bible Society. Hmmmmm, ya' think God is speaking? I selected that from over a 100 topics. But it's a great program.
God's wrath is not anger out of control. I think for me that's the main difference. Romans 1:18
And just the word wrath to me connotates vengeance, vindictive anger yet Divine wrath is retribution for our sin so it better be from God.
Peace, love and JOY,
Peggy
P.S.
*I GOT IT and completely understand and I won't abuse it. Far fetch that I'd ever see you as arrogant, you're far too funny and fun, intelligent and creative. No way... and no email being sent yet... until next time. Thank you! I've just hit "reply" so many times to you and type away because you write good feedback and then realize that it's no reply...duh? And my comments are always so lengthy when I leave one and so here...even longer. You always make me think even when I don't reply. Ohh and congrats that you figure it out...must have been the context!
I have such wise friends! I'm going to pick out one thought from each of your comments, and I think we'll end up with a GREAT definition of wrath (as it pertains to God).
ReplyDeleteDebbie - justified; fair response to provocation.
(Sidenote: I did notice that it took you ALMOST an hour before responding with your 2 cents - you're learning patience, huh?! :)
Carrie - not out of anger, but out of love; leading to conviction and repentance.
(Sidenote: Loved your pondering!)
Sandra - righteous; recompense (to make amends).
(Sidenote: I always appreciate how you give us just the most APT Scriptures!)
Sandie - righteous (in accordance with virtue and morality).
(Sidenote: You couldn't have picked Sweetie?!)
Shay - total and complete perfection; based on a hatred for sin.
(Sidenote: LOVED your velvet/diamond word picture, very poetic! And thanks for your kind comments about the blog - really appreciate it!)
Mary - justifiable (based on God's just character).
(Sidenote: I'm thinking if my anger is ever justifiable, then it probably came from God's Spirit working through me!)
Peggy - having the right (authority); wisdom; not out of control; divine retribution for sin.
(Sidenote: Thanks for understanding. I did figure out your name - but the one you left for Isaiah 61:1 - I need a HINT!!! :)
It's so interesting to me to read all the input on Fridays. It makes me think, too. I like how Carrie mentioned that she's never heard the word "wrath" used except in context with God. Peggy makes very good points about being "angry" at the sinful, evil things of this world. Jesus Himself got angry, but He did not sin. Perhaps anger that comes from the Holy Spirit, exercised with His wisdom and restraint, is the key. And I liked how Shay capitalized the word. I often do that myself with character traits of God.
So, I leave today enlightened on the concept - and I might add, SO VERY GRATEFUL that we, as believers, are no longer under the wrath of God, but are wrapped in His Love, Grace, and Mercy!
GOD BLESS!
So, I leave today enlightened on the concept - and I might add, SO VERY GRATEFUL that we, as believers, are no longer under the wrath of God, but are wrapped in His Love, Grace, and Mercy!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Sharon, Amen.