Never to Speak or Act in Anger
By Rooted Africa (
Resolution 25
Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to speak or act in anger, and to resolve to cast it out, whatever it be, though never so dear.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to rigorously examine and constantly watch for whatever root in his heart causes even the slightest anger in word or deed—and to resolve to remove it completely, no matter how cherished or painful the process. This resolution goes beyond controlling anger (Res. 15) to eradicating its source. Edwards wanted a heart so purified that anger could find no foothold.Why This Matters TodayAnger is rarely absent. It flares in traffic, at work, in family, online, or even silently in our thoughts. Edwards shows us it’s not just the outburst—it’s the root (pride, impatience, control, entitlement) that must be uprooted. Unaddressed anger poisons relationships, hinders prayer, and dishonors God (James 1:20: “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God”).Applying Resolution 25 Practically
@kateyakli
)Jonathan Edwards had resolved to repent immediately whenever fear of man drove him (Resolution 24) and to avoid speaking of faults unless for real good (Resolution 23). Now he confronted one of the most destructive emotions: anger.Resolution 25
Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to speak or act in anger, and to resolve to cast it out, whatever it be, though never so dear.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to rigorously examine and constantly watch for whatever root in his heart causes even the slightest anger in word or deed—and to resolve to remove it completely, no matter how cherished or painful the process. This resolution goes beyond controlling anger (Res. 15) to eradicating its source. Edwards wanted a heart so purified that anger could find no foothold.Why This Matters TodayAnger is rarely absent. It flares in traffic, at work, in family, online, or even silently in our thoughts. Edwards shows us it’s not just the outburst—it’s the root (pride, impatience, control, entitlement) that must be uprooted. Unaddressed anger poisons relationships, hinders prayer, and dishonors God (James 1:20: “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God”).Applying Resolution 25 Practically
- Self-examination: When anger rises, stop and ask: “What in my heart caused this? Pride? Unmet expectations? Fear of losing control?”
- Daily watchfulness: Review moments of irritation—trace them to their root and repent.
- Radical removal: Whatever the root (e.g., desire for approval, self-righteousness), bring it to God in prayer and seek to mortify it.
- Habit: Use Edwards’ weekly review: “What caused anger this week? How can I cast it out?”
- What root in my heart most often produces anger?
- Am I willing to remove it, even if it’s “dear” to me?
- How would a heart free from anger change my relationships and witness?
@kateyakli
).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 26.This is Day 25 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading- Full text of Edwards' Resolutions: https://www.jonathan-edwards.org/Resolutions.html
- "The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards" (Desiring God): https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards
- Ligonier Ministries overview: https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/resolutions-jonathan-edwards
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment