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The Anger Zone

CAMPUS JOURNAL

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

The Anger Zone

Read: Ephesians 4:17-27

In your anger do not sin. --Ephesians 4:26

Baseball managers are a unique bunch. They wear uniforms, unlike coaches in other sports. And when a baseball manager gets into an argument with an umpire, the scene is almost comical: an umpire and a manager face to face, gesturing and shouting at the same time. It's part theater, part frustration.

When it comes to expressing anger, each of us has a definite style. You may scream and throw things; others may boil on the inside, harbor a grudge for days, or go wild and sprout Hulk-like muscles.

The apostle Paul admitted in today's passage that we do get angry. Notice how today's verse starts out, "In your anger," instead of, "If you get angry."

Paul gave two important cautions to heed when anger does occur.

Don't sin. When you get mad at someone, it's easy to develop a hot hatred or to react violently. In the Sermon on the Mount, however, Jesus equated hatred with murder. "Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. . . . Go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary" (Matthew 5:21-25). Anger directed at individuals is a sinful emotion.
Deal with it. When Paul wrote, "Do not let the sun go down on your anger" (v.26), he meant that if you have something against someone, take care of it as soon as you can. Don't delay.

Some situations should make us angry: pornography, abortion, insensitivity to the poor. Or you may be angry with a friend who is letting substance abuse or some other habit ruin his life. And if anger directed at injustice or sin can motivate you toward positive action, then it is a good thing.

Somebody make a bad call on you? Ask Christ to keep you from crossing that line and letting anger lead you to sin. --JC

REFLECTION

When was the last time I was really angry? What did I do? Anything I have to go back and undo?
As I read today's Bible passage again, what caution about anger do I especially need to heed?

A short fuse can have long repercussions.