Anger: good and bad (Part 1)

Think a minute…A man thought he was going crazy, so he went to a psychiatrist to get his expert opinion. After a complete examination, the doctor agreed and said, “Yes, you’re crazy.” But the man became angry and shouted, “I want a second opinion!” The doctor said, “OK, you’re ugly too.”

We all get angry when people offend our pride, even if what they say is true. In fact, most of our anger comes from our selfishness or pride that is easily offended when people don’t treat us the way we think we deserve, or things don’t go our way.

You can tell how strong a man is by what it takes to make him angry. “The more you grow up, the less you blow up.” If I don’t learn to control my anger, it will control me. A famous proverb says, “It takes a greater man to control himself than to conquer and control a city.”  

Mature, strong people master their moods and emotions. They understand nothing is important enough to become so angry that they deeply hurt the people they love. Sadly, most of the time “The consequences of our anger are much worse than the causes of it.”  

Benjamin Franklin wisely observed: “Anger is never without a reason, but seldom is it a good reason.” It all depends on why we are angry, and how we use our anger. The Greek philosopher Aristotle said: “You can use anger either to build or destroy…It’s your choice.” 

Anyone can become angry, that’s easy. Children do that! But to be angry with the right person, at the right time, in the right way, and for the right reason, that is not easy! It takes real power, wisdom, and love.    

 So not all anger is bad. Sometimes anger is very good and needed. The person who cannot feel angry at evil is a person who does not have love and passion for goodness and justice. If you don’t hate the wrong, you don’t truly love the right. Good anger comes from our God-given conscience and instinct for what is good, right, and true. 

Won’t you ask Jesus to help you control your anger when your selfish pride is offended? He will also help you grow in your conscience and character to become angry at what is wrong and evil, and to do something about it. Just think a minute…

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