Of the Seven Deadly Sins, anger is possibly the most fun. To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past…in many ways it is a feast fit for a king. The chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself. ~Friedrich Buechner
Anger: 1. The fit and proper response of God to evil and injustice. wrath. 2. A permanent disposition toward someone who has wronged you, bitterness. 3. The ongoing resentment toward those who fail to live up to your standard, outrage.
Has there ever been a time when so many have stayed so angry for so long for so little reason? What good has it done?
We love anger, it tastes so good, but it is well named as one of the Eight Deadly Thoughts that keep us from love.
Don’t misunderstand. We were made to share in God’s anger–the healthy, right response to cruelty, to all that destroys his good creation. If nothing matters enough to shake our complacency, there’s something wrong. But anger can be dangerous to our souls,
- If it is without focus, splattering over everyone we encounter.
- If it is chronic, unresolved because of something in the past.
- If, in protest against evil we become evil ourselves.
- If we’re convinced we are the judge and the standard–others must believe and behave as we do, or they deserve our wrath.
Antidotes to Anger
- The sun is setting, it’s time to quit. What if every sunset is a can’t-miss-it reminder to release into God’s keeping all that frustrates your heart? Take a few moments each evening to repeat the words of Jesus, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do, until your heart is tuned to his.
- I’m angry, but I’m not answering the door. The devil, suitcase in hand, rings your doorbell the minute anger is stirred. Address your anger directly to God and the devil will flee.
- I’m only responsible for me. Turn your focus from what “they” are doing to what you can do to overcome evil with good.
- This is my Father’s world. If anger has a grip on you, take a walk outside and let creation remind you–new growth is often hidden by the dead and decayed.
- “God knows I’m angry, I’m not alone.” Read Romans 12 and Ephesians 4:17-5:2 and allow God’s words to reshape your thinking.
What antidotes to anger can you share?
photo credit
6 replies on “Fifth Deadly Thought: Anger”
Trust The Lord.
Don’t “hit the rock”! .. When anger and frustration arise .. be wise.
Remember Moses! .. Don’t “hit the rock”!
~Moses’s frustration and anger with the people brewed.
~Moses ultimately missed out on going into the promised land.
~If Moses could blow it .. then we need to be yielding and grinding to a stop.
Be careful in action and obedience and motivation. Don’t “hit the rock”!
Trust! .. The Lord is The Lord! .. He has got this!
A great reference, Ginny. “Don’t hit the rock”–I’ll remember that.
My recent antidote: stop reading the newspaper! But I don’t want to hide under a rock! Perhaps if I committed to praying after every article I read?
A great idea, Deb!
As a recovering alcoholic I’m here to say, unequivocally, that nursing grudges and resentments are the quickest trip back to the bottle. We’re experts at it. God, help me to love first, think second.
Wisdom here! A great prayer to embrace.