Anger.
The whole world is plagued by this disease, and it is spreading out of control like never before. Everyone seems to have it, everywhere.
We are continuously reminded of the anger that possesses this world and our country every time we watch the news, read the paper or check Facebook. Just in the past month, there have been so many deaths in Florida, Texas, France and Turkey due to the anger that occupies the hearts and souls of so many.
It is all around us. It just doesn't seem possible to escape the harsh words, burning stares, hateful actions and cruel gestures anger causes. And what about us? I know I can't be the only one who gets mad. We may not murder someone because of our anger, but it is possible that, by our anger, we are killing the joy, confidence and hope of many.
It is a vicious cycle. There are those who are really good at expressing it. We all know a few. It seems like they are fueled by the enemy to steal the joy of as many people as possible. Their boiling temper gets the best of them, and in a short amount of time their anger has contaminated everyone around them.
Then there are those who have to endure those angry words and looks. Because when there is someone expressing it, there is someone on the receiving end. They try their best to live a peaceful life, but the effects of anger are too strong and painful. But the yelling father never stopped to consider what the coach might be going through at home. What are people battling daily that you and I can't see?
Sometimes that anger that was shown to them is bottled up, then unleashed on their children when they go home. It is unleashed on their employees. Or it is unleashed on their students at school or the waiter at the restaurant who "isn't doing his job quick enough." (Remember that vicious cycle I mentioned earlier?)
If we're being honest, we've been both people. We've been on the receiving end of anger and on the sending end. But how is it ever going to get better? When is this madness going to stop?
Getting angry is something I have personally struggled with. It is so hard to turn the other cheek when your flesh is screaming at you to get even with the world by producing more anger and hate. But that isn't how God wants us to handle these situations. I have realized that we are called to be a resemblance of God by being slow to anger and abounding in mercy.
Our job as Christians is to reflect the love of God to all of those we come into contact with. Whether it be our family, coworkers or the lady standing next to you in the checkout line whose son is being obnoxious.
Yes, it may be hard to respond in a loving way when someone says something offensive to you or to not want to take revenge on someone who tries to steal your joy. But Jesus gave us the perfect example to follow. He died for those who hated, tormented and murdered him. So we should be more than willing to extend mercy, forgiveness, grace and compassion to others, just as Jesus did for us.
We have held onto the anger for too long. It's time to let go of it and love like Jesus.
"Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret; it only causes harm." — Psalm 37:8
