At times I find it easy to become angry. And anger is such an intoxicating emotion. Because we are moved to anger by danger and injustice, because anger empowers us to stand with courage and even ferocity when needed, it is easy to ride that anger and hold onto it. And yet that is not how Scripture teaches us. We are to make good use of it to address the problem -- and then let it go, and promptly. Anger soon becomes a tool of evil -- that's a thing that is so easy to spot in other people, and so easy to miss in ourselves.
"Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to become angry" (James 1:19).
When we are angry, we are generally done listening -- but have we heard everything that matters? "Be quick to hear, slow to speak" is such sane and healthy refreshment for our age.
Anger can appear righteous. But sustained anger is malice or hatred; if it is no longer tightly tied to the day that brought it, then I should be wary of it.
3 comments:
Our culture seems to have lots of people who are quick to anger, and slow to de-anger.
You're right about that. I'd go so far as to say: that's being encouraged. Those of us who have a voice on spiritual matters can humbly and gently speak of a better direction than that.
Take care & God bless
Anne / WF
I'm afraid so.
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