Has our anger driven us to madness?

I used to consume the daily news, reading the Op-Ed page, watching stories with interest. But, the anger that feeds the news from all parties, makes it such a toxic brew that I am now choosing to watch less, much less. Anger appears to be the default mode of American life these days. People are afraid and in our emotional neighborhood, anger lives right next door to fear!  Some of the anger is manufactured, outrage produced and managed to raise money, to stir voting blocks, to attract media attention.  But, we are a nation simmering with resentments, deeply divided on many issues.  I see the anger bubble to the surface even among my Christian associates when difference of opinion escalates into attack and then to separation – way too quickly!

Can we understand the intent behind Jesus’ words?  Are we willing to even consider that His words are wisdom for our time? “You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it.’ But I say, don’t resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too." (Matthew 5:38-40)  My first reaction is to think:  that is a sure way to get run over, beat down, and left in the dirt!  And, so it is. But, Jesus did just that and conquered sin, death, and Hell!  He allowed hatred to hang Him on a Cross. The Devil rejoiced, His enemies celebrated.  But, the Father raised Him up and love won.

When tempted to uncover our claws and bare our fangs, will we consider that the Spirit calls us to a response diametrically opposed to hate? Yes, we are warriors in the cause of Bold Love!

To be clear, loving does not eliminate the response of anger!  Anger can serve us well, if it is not about us;  if it is not fed by our fear.  Anger that is useful has no component of self or pride. Righteous anger moves us to care, to work for change, to stand up to wrong. 

If you are angry, do not deny it, repress it, or ignore it.  Anger that is pushed below the line of our consciousness will ferment into a toxic brew and become evident, somewhere and in some way that hurts others and ourselves, even as the rage discredits our claim of discipleship.  God teaches us to re-direct the anger and to control it: "In your anger do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Another translation says, “don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.” (Ephesians 4:26, NLT)

So how do we turn the anger into something other than toxic bitterness that feeds a need for revenge?

Admit-  “I am angry.”  

Because so many Christians think anger is sinful, they relabel it with many other names, but anger is anger, no matter what we call it. We're not 'just sad,' nor are we 'hurt.'  There are people who develop agendas to attack us and that makes us mad. Admit it, so you can and the Spirit can deal with it. Anger can be used as a powerful motivator for change: in ourselves and in our world.

Understand the cause of your anger.   

Anger is often misdirected.  We’re disappointed about losing the promotion at work, but focus the anger on our wife.  We are frustrated by chronic illness and take it out on our children. We are angry at God, and blame the pastor!  The Holy Spirit and a wise, honest friend will let you safely talk while you work to understand the root of rage.  Don’t blame, instead be prepared to work hard at change, starting with that person who stares back at you from your mirror.

Lose the fantasies! 

It is not a wonderful world where everyone is nice, where all dreams come true, and where good people live happily ever after. That’s reality.  Much of our anger is fed by expectations born of fantasy. The sooner we deal with reality, the better our lives will be. Acceptance of our limitations and of the situations in which we find ourselves provides great release from unnecessary anger. We do not have to ‘give up’ on life, surrender hope, or stop praying for change.  It IS important to pray for the Spirit of God to help us to know the difference between our fantasies about a 'perfect' world and His dream for our life which He will equip us to fulfill.

ENDURE!

A friend who is in Alcoholics Anonymous, reminded me of a basic truth that recovering alcoholics learn - "Send your body and your heart will follow!" In other words, sometimes we do the right things, just because they are the right things, not because we feel great passion, enthusiasm, or joy! Sometimes the very best method of dealing with anger is simply to determine to outlast your enemies and critics as you kill'em with kindness.  Jesus calls it – ‘turning the other cheek, blessing those that misuse and abuse you.’ That endurance is sustained by the realization that there is coming a day of just rewards for us all.  The Word says, "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And a righteous person will live by faith.” (Hebrews 10:35-38, NLT)

The word from the Word for today –

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." (Proverbs 29:11, NIV)

"An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins." (Proverbs 29:22, NIV)

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (James 1:19-20, NIV)