The Seven Deadly Sins #3: Anger

My Quiet Place

Anger

Anger is self-consuming. It stems from self-pity. Anger results when one feels sorry for himself when provoked. Anger is; therefore, very selfish.  If one dwells in their anger, the hatred builds. Like logs being added to a fire, anger grows and grows until it explodes into a violent revenge. I have noticed that sometimes, the very thing that provoked a person in the first place is quickly forgotten even though his anger remains...how silly! Even if one's anger is initially justifiable, the acceptable cause can be hidden behind the all-consuming anger. The unjust situation is lost and anger is at the forefront. That is why Jesus says, "be angry and do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26).

Did you know that Jesus talks about anger more than any other human issue in His Sermon on the Mount? Here, Jesus equates anger with murder for it can be just as destructive! Without anger, a lot of tragedies, like the ones Jesus addresses, could have been eliminated in human history.  Countless unnecessary deaths and separations have resulted from anger.

{ “No plague has cost the human race more dear.” Lucius Seneca }

Anger blows up the smallest of problems that could have been solved in less time. After examining my own heart, I realize that I get more upset with situations than I do people. I get angry at circumstances in my life that occur not according to my plan. I get angry when I do not like the way I feel...lonely, unloved, or out of place. Without anger, we can actually make use of the present moment and enjoy even the things that cause disappointment. 

{ “There is nothing that can be done with anger that cannot be done better without it." Dallas Willard }

Anger turns people into animals. It makes them almost unrecognizable to others. You may have seen anger turn your loved one into a monster first hand. Or, maybe you yourself have reacted in a way that was completely out of character. As a girl, I typically bottle up my emotions, especially anger. I do not recall a time when I scared any of my loved ones with my anger. However, I do know that there have been many times in which, if someone were to peep inside my brain, they would not know who I was. What a scary thought!

May we consider the destructive consequences of an angry heart. Let us examine people and circumstances that easily anger us and ask God to view them with His eyes of meekness.

{ Do not let the sun go down on your anger Ephesians 4:26 }

{ 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 }

{ Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9 }

❊Question for the Comments❊

How have you seen anger destroy?

                                    

                                            The Girl Next Door