TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Elder Chris Beltran

Why do we get angry? We are created by God to be emotional beings. Anger, in itself, is not evil, but sometimes it results from selfishness. We get angry when people wronged us or when we didn’t get what we expected. Then, if you allow our anger to be uncontrolled or untamed, it would lead to hostility, affect our decision-making, or others might get hurt when we express it. That’s the time when anger becomes wrong. It is considered aggression. It is no longer an emotion but a problematic behavioral pattern. The intent to harm others confirms the consequence of uncontrolled anger, such as road rage that leads to death and verbal and physical assault. These no longer resolve issues but harm both parties.

Furthermore, studies show a correlation between intense emotion (i.e., anger) and some sicknesses like hypertension, stomach problems, cancer, etc. When we are angry, our blood vessels constrict, and the regular flow of blood is compromised. It affects our ability to be reasonable and make sound decisions. It cripples us emotionally and mentally. When anger controls us, we find it hard to accommodate other positive emotions that will make us happy. Often, in the height of rage, people would end up verbally, emotionally, and even physically abusing others. It destroys relationships. There are consequences for uncontrolled anger; be very careful.

Moses got angry with the Israelites when he found them worshipping a golden calf at Mt Sinai. It was the right kind of anger, but it became uncontrolled when he threw the two tablets of the covenant law. The tablets were God’s work; the writing on them was God’s (read Exodus 32). Another instance was when Moses got fed up with the constant complaining of the Israelites; instead of tapping the rock so the water could flow out, he disobeyed and struck it twice; God forbid him from entering the promised land (read Numbers 20:1-13).

Is there anything as righteous anger? John 2:14–17 states, “In the temple, he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, ‘Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.'” This reminds me of many churches in Quiapo, Baclaran, and Sta. Cruz, Binondo, and other different major cities. Outside, the church doors are like marketplaces. People sell amulets, herbal stuff to increase sexual drive, crafted images, candles, and sometimes, even prostitutes offering services. This is not to look down on poor people earning a living, but it does not justify turning the house of worship into a place of buying and selling. If Jesus is here today, will he be driving them out, too?

Jesus was angry that God’s house was corrupted—from a house of worship and prayer, it became a den of robbers (Matthew 21:12–13). Jesus was obviously angry. So is anger, okay? Yes, some anger is appropriate. There are times when the lack of anger in the face of injustice shows apathy and a nonconnection with reality. It’s not anger that is evil, but what that anger causes us to be abusive is the issue. Therefore, we must control our anger so that our actions are appropriate.

REFLECTION

People struggling with anger are often people who are hurting from their past circumstances. Without healing and forgiving, they will continue to hurt others. If you are struggling, admit that you have a problem and seek help. These are signs of maturity, not weakness. We need to practice self-control in the use of our tongues and during our emotional outbursts. Instead of finding excuses to get angry, find solutions to address it. Remember, we live in an imperfect world; if you want respect, you need to learn how to give respect as well. People make mistakes, including you and me—correct one another not to harm, but to love.  

PRAYER

Often my anger reflects my selfishness, Lord. I want to do things my way, and if it were not followed, anger would occur. Forgive me, Lord. Help me find ways to address my anger issues because having these issues will not glorify You in any way. In Jesus’ name, amen.