Anger will eat you alive.
Anger leads to death. You may be conditioned to hearing that it’s healthy to let your emotions out, but that doesn’t make it true. Anger eats away at compassion, using it like oxygen to fuel it’s growing flames. As those flames thrive and transmute into rage they will obliterate any traces of peace left within until all that remains is painful discontent and the inability to muster respect for anyone–yourself included.
What is needed when anger arises is not lashing out toward others, but redirecting those flames within. Let them enlighten you as to the reasons for their presence. What made you angry? Why are you allowing this to upset you? How can you react in this situation with a healthier emotion which will encourage inner-peace? Why is your opposition so passionate about their stance? What might you say to express compassion and understanding? Will expressing yourself improve or exacerbate the situation? Are my thoughts and eyes on God or am I focusing on my own concerns?
James 1:19-20 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Let’s face it friends, our ego likes to be right. It likes it so much that it will post political memes all day long. It drives us to stand outside in protest and judge others in ways that can be downright inhumane. When we allow the behavior of of others to infuriate us and add anger to our differences, we lose the ability to reason, act reasonably and recognize our similarities. We lose all compassion for each other. We paint labels with broad brushes, we cultivate hate and we kill each other.
We kill each other. That’s not love.
As James wrote in his epistle, we need to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. There is nothing that can be solved with infuriation that can’t be solved more peacefully with love. You may not end up killing someone else in your anger, but your outrage will be the death of you. Seek the love, peace and joy that come from God, trusting in faith that the good Lord has a plan.
Much love and many blessings!
Gina Medvedz
PS- Is it possible to love your enemy? I would love to hear what you think in the comments below. If you are struggling with anger, spiritual direction can help. You are never alone! Find out more or make an appointment on my website.
