“Jesus speaks directly to the issue of anger in the sermon on the mount and in doing so he continues to deepen the faith of those listening to his powerful message.”
Did you know that anger is mentioned about five-hundred times in the bible? That is a lot. The only other emotion mentioned more than Anger is love. It’s clear that the bible has a lot to say about anger and the biblical authors recognized that anger was a significant part of the human experience. Has that been true in your life? Maybe from time to time? Have you faced circumstances or relationships that caused you to become angry? How did you deal with that anger?
Jesus speaks directly to the issue of anger in the sermon on the mount and in doing so he continues to deepen the faith of those listening to his powerful message. Jesus essentially says, “Listen closely, you think you're justified if you get mad but not mad enough that it leads you to murder someone (sounds a little extreme today doesn’t it) just like the law says - but if you are going to follow me you need to be concerned with the base level of your anger, it matters.”
Matthew 5:21-22: “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.”
This is important to think about especially because of all that has happed in 2020. The pandemic, an extremely divisive political season, and multiple levels of cultural difficulty have turned up the anger level for all of us.
Anger, at its worst, devalues a person to the degree that one might consider someone else as having no created value. In other words anger, at its worst, fails to recognize that another person, even if that person is someone you disagree with or have been harmed by, is still a person deserving of the recognition that they were created in the image of God. This type of anger seeks the ‘complete destruction’ of someone else - this is the definition of the word “idiot” in the passage above and is completely opposite of the heart that are to embody as followers of Jesus. I know, that’s hard to hear.
Anger at its best is a powerful emotion that can be used in positive and redemptive ways when in the face of injustice, oppression, or the marginalization of the vulnerable in our world. Anger can lead to healthy or unhealthy behavior. Careful assertiveness is a healthy response to anger that involves problem-solving, compassion, and even love. While, aggression is an unhealthy response to anger that involves hurting or controlling others, revenge, or hatred. Again, some personal reflection here is helpful. How do you usually respond when you experience anger?
What should you do when you get angry? Here are a few helpful suggestions:
Don’t ignore it. Anger usually finds an expression. Deal with anger as quickly and responsibly as possible—before the sun goes down—so that you do not “give the devil a foothold.”
Pray about the anger, asking God to give you deep insight.
Focus on the source(s) of your anger. Make a list. This will likely finding some clarity.
Change locations (if you can). Getting away from the moments/places of heightened crisis can help defuse the situation. Do not allow anger to cause you to act in ways that you will later regret.
Talk with a trusted friend who is unrelated to the anger-provoking situation who can help keep you grounded in faith and encourage you through prayer and scripture.
I know this is just scratching the surface on the topic of anger. Dealing with anger can be a very difficult spiritual and emotional reality. I know. I’ve faced several situations in my own life that have caused significant pain and anger. It’s not easy - and we are all a work in progress. Yet, for those of us who follow Jesus. Our call is go beyond the “letter of the law” to deeper heart change. I’m glad Jesus calls us to this more difficult work of life and faith. It’s not easy, but together with God and each other we can become who God has designed us to be.
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