One of the most common--and potentially, most destructive--human emotions is anger. It can be as low-key as the frustration we feel when we can't find some item we need at the moment, or as intense as the rage often prompted by some grievous wrong done to ourselves or to a loved one. When not controlled, anger can cause us to lash out at anything or anyone nearby, even innocent bystanders; to nurse never-ending grudges; or even to embark on a mindless quest for vengeance, with tragic consequences.
It's not necessarily wrong to become angry when our persons or rights are violated; anger can serve as a legitimate defense mechanism by moving the person to needed action. But scripture clearly teaches us that anger is dangerous, and that it must be controlled and subordinated to the Lord's command that we extend love and mercy to others, even our "enemies."
Thus, we read that "wrath killeth the foolish man" (Job 5:2), and are admonished to "cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil" (Psalm 37:8)--for even righteous anger can lead to evil acts, if it is not controlled. The Lord wishes peace and harmony to prevail among men. "A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife." (Proverbs 15:18) Indeed, "slowness to anger" is such a precious attribute that it characterizes the Lord Himself (Psalm 103:8). Many great and powerful figures in history have been afflicted (and afflicted others) with a fierce, impulsive temper, but how many of them came to grief by forgetting that "he that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city"! (Proverbs 16:32)
The best way to avoid the pitfalls of anger is to be proactive: consciously practice the virtues of patience, kindness, mercy, humility, and good humor (one of the best ways to dissipate the tension that often leads to anger). Doing so denies anger a fertile spot within you to take root and grow, and equips you with the tools you need to restrain and channel it in positive ways. When anger does come, deal with it immediately rather than letting it fester; "let not the sun go down upon your wrath." (Ephesians 4:26). The most ingenious response to an angering wrong I ever heard of: retaliate with a good deed! "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee." (Proverbs 25:21-22) Thus may the wrongdoer be moved to repentance and restitution, and an enemy replaced with a friend.
Above all, strive daily to live Christ's precious teaching to replace anger at our enemies with love, and blessing, and doing good, and prayer (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-29). What better example could we emulate than that of the Lord Himself who, though utterly innocent and yet subjected to the most unimaginable cruelty and indignity, could still beg His Father in Heaven to "forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
Tom Fleming
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