Thought for 1 July 2024

James 1:19-20

“My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”

 Sadly, it’s not too hard to find ANGER in this world.  There is so much conflict and division which is constantly aired on our TV screens, internet and social media.   There is anger and frustration at not being able to find solutions quickly enough to the various problems.

This week sees our Country once again go to the ballot box to elect our national government and prime minister and I know many share my anger & frustrations at the calibre of the parties and anger at the same old rhetoric.  In summary, most if not all of us will feel anger at times in our lives.

For some, anger can get out of control. It can cause issues in relationships and work, and even lead to legal problems. Sometimes, people don’t recognise that anger is a problem for them. They may see other people or things as the problem instead.

Anger is different for everyone. Things that make some people angry perhaps don’t bother others at all.  However, there are things that make a lot of us feel angry. These include:

·       being treated unfairly

·       feeling powerless

·       feeling threatened or attacked

·       other people not respecting your authority, feelings or property

·       being interrupted when you’re trying to achieve a goal

·       stressful day-to-day things, like rush hour traffic or paying bills

·       not having enough time in the day to do the things you want to do

·       dealing with grief – grief can make other difficult emotions harder to cope with

·       medication, including some prescribed medication and legal drugs

 

Some people do express their anger by:

·       shouting – this can sometimes be aggressive, involving swearing, threats or name-calling

·       acting aggressively – by hitting or pushing other people, or by breaking things

·       ignoring people

·       hiding anger from other people

·       turning against themselves – they may be angry on the inside but feel unable to let it out

·       People who turn anger inwards may harm themselves as a way of coping with the intense feelings they have.

 

When we are insulted, we often insult others in return. When someone shouts at us, we want to return the favour. When someone resorts to name-calling, we eagerly throw a few insults in the opposite direction.  It doesn’t have to be that way because the Bible gives us an alternative.

Ephesians 4:31-32

“Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

 The Apostle Paul understands that while we should deal with our anger quickly, we don’t always do so. Sometimes we allow our anger to fester and to grow into something worse. Even then, we’re not beyond rescue. The apostle implores his readers to remove all bitterness, anger, wrath, shouting, slander, and malice.

Ephesians 4:15, 25–32 describes how to react.

1. First, be honest and speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). ...
2. Second, settle disagreements quickly (Eph. 4:26) and don't hold on to your anger. ...
3. Third, attack the problem, not the person (Eph. 4:29, 31). ...
4. Fourth, act don't react (Ephesians 4:31–32).

 

The way to do so is to replace these sinful responses with better ones. Instead of experiencing bitterness toward others, extend compassion. Rather than being filled with wrath and anger, be filled with kindness. Instead of shouting at one another, forgive one another, just as the gospel reminds us how much God has forgiven us through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord,

As we begin this new day of this new week, we know that sometimes we struggle with anger and frustration and we know that this is not pleasing to you.  Lord, we ask you for your help in handling our anger.  Give us wisdom and strength to control our emotions and to speak words of love and kindness, even when we feel upset and frustrated.  Help us also to extend grace to those who may have hurt or offended us just as you have forgiven each and every one of us.  We ask all this in your name.  

Amen.