Angry People

Whoever is patient has great understanding,
    but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

A heart at peace gives life to the body,
    but envy rots the bones.

 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
    but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Angry people want you to see how powerful they are. Loving people want you to see how powerful YOU are. Chief Red Eagle

We all have times when we’re angry and rightfully so. Anger is a great motivator but it can’t sustain a whole and peaceful life and it will never give life to the body.

There is righteous anger but let’s be careful—feelings aren’t to be trusted at times. Jesus was angry at the money changers and the leaders of Israel because they were in peril of Hell. They had seen his miracles, listened to his counsel and saw his humility but envy ruled.

Anger at a bad habit gets the ball rolling toward good health and peace of mind.

Anger at injustice may get us to protect the vulnerable and innocent, especially the children, disabled, elderly and animals.

Anger at want and need provides the fuel to volunteer and give.

Anger at myself gets me to do some self-reflection and prayer.

But we can’t stay there nor should we. I see angry people become possessed and dangerous with road rage or lack of responsibility and angry because they feel others owe it to them. I’ve even blamed God for my pain and anger. Anger really can be a tool for harm like blame and isolation but at what cost? Your body. Your life. Peace.

Uncomfortable truths and absent self-reflection. I read this in a popular blog post that was answering the question: Why do people repeat unprofitable and destructive behaviors? Here’s why: Who wants to hear uncomfortable truths? Who wants to self-reflect and see the dark abyss inside? Who wants to do the work that is required? Definitely not popular in a secular world! I admit I don’t enjoy it at all! But I want peace more.

But we have a Father who helps and guides us with our anger starting with a guilty conscience. Talking to a counselor, pastor or wise Christian is a good start. Writing down the anger and putting it away for a bit helps. Prayer definitely helps and is a way to decompress anger. We’re promised we will receive wisdom from the “Father of lights.” Sometimes we are angry at ourselves and it takes tons of digging to get to the heart of the matter. Our Father does not want us to live angry lives in this mixed-up and backward world. “A heart of peace gives life to the body.”

Musings

Albert Einstein said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking that created them.” “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) so anger can be used properly or used for our Father’s will.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for our emotions. Some are so pleasant and some are so uncomfortable—warning lights that flash an urgent need or action.  Help us to honor all our emotions and to handle anger as your Son did with wisdom and love from above.

Amen.