August 30, 2012
The Art of Sinless Anger
Aristotle philosophically and probably rather accurately stated, “It is easy to fly into a passion – anybody can do that – but to be angry with the right person to the right extent and at the right time and with the right object and in the right way – that is not easy, and it is not everyone who can do it.”
There seems to be a predisposition for some people to let anger about one thing build up until they find themselves releasing that anger at the wrong person, for the wrong reason about something that really isn’t that big of an issue in the first place. While there are others who whether because of fear, anxiety or some other reason; tend to vent their frustration and anger at someone or something that has nothing to do with the real issue they are dealing with.
We need to remember that anger, in and of its self, is not a sin, but the way we manage, deal with and release that anger, can determine whether or not it can become sinful.
“Whenever you are angry, be assured that it is not only a present evil, but that you have increased a habit.”
- Epictetus
Be not deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:16-21
Jesus became angry and He even acted on His anger: but He did so without sinning. He did not vent His anger at the wrong individuals, neither did He vent His anger for the wrong reason; a valuable lesson many of us could stand to learn: and an art we could benefit from practicing and developing into a more refined skill.
Today’s Prayer
Father, anger is a normal part of the spectrum of emotions: but when it is not handled or dealt with correctly and appropriately it can be so hurtful, harmful and counter productive: help me to when I do become angry, do so without sinning: and even more significantly help me to not allow myself to become angry for reasons that do not justify the need to be angry.
“Give me your eyes
For just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I’ve been missing
Give me your love for humanity.
Give me your arms for the brokenhearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see“
- Lyrics from ‘Give Me Your Eyes’ by Brandon Heath and Jason Ingram
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