Tyranny of anger

Matthew 5 : 20 - 26

...be reconciled...

I know when things bug me but oftentimes, I am not ready to feel vulnerable. So, for me, anger most often appears as a secondary emotion. It is usually a defense against fear and anxiety. These days, with my almost grown sons leading quite independent lives, situations arise when fear and anxiety strikes me. Just today, my "business minded" son told us about buying cheap goods from a source at a very low price (which sounds suspicious). His colleague at the shop he used to work in is part of the network. I realized today (after being blur for a few weeks) that the "source" might be selling stolen goods!! Fear and anxiety struck immediately and of course anger came up as a defense!! Well, at least it was a flash of anger that quickly settled when we were able to explain the dangers to him and get him to promise not to be involved.

I believe the anger that actually "kills" is that which is directed towards the personhood of another human being. This kind of anger is full of grudge, is revengeful and seeks to destroy another's character. It hits at the person rather than the action.

Only God's love and grace can set us free from such spiteful anger and revengeful ways. Maybe Lent is a good time for self-examination, to ask for healing for personal grievances, and to ask for God's love to flood our hearts.