Anger - Scripture, Saints & Dr. Guarendi

Do you get angry?


I see anger as an outburst and cursing...losing it.  While that doesn't happen to me too much, I
 know I can be negative in my words and impatient with others often. Seeing angry, irrational behavior led me to the Scriptures today.  What does God's Word say about Anger?

 Ephesians 4:26-31  "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,  and do not give the devil a foothold.  He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
 but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

 Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but
 a quick-tempered man displays folly.

James 1:19-20 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak
 and slow to become angry,  for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

 Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

James 1:20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

 Psalm 37:8-9 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil.  For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

 Ecclesiastes 7:9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

 Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

 Proverbs 15:18  A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,  but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

Proverbs 29:22  A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.

Proverbs 14:16,17  A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

2 Timothy 2:23-24  But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.

And what do our Saints have to say about ANGER....

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven. --Saint Ephraem of Syria

It is better not to allow anger, however just and reasonable, to enter at all, than to admit it in ever so slight a degree; once admitted, it will not be easily expelled, for, though at first but a small plant, it will immediately grow into a large tree.--Saint Augustine

There is no sin or wrong that gives a man a foretaste of hell in this life as anger and impatience.--Saint Catherine of Sienna

Depend upon it, it is better to learn how to live without being angry than to imagine one can moderate and control anger lawfully; and if through weakness and frailty one is overtaken by it, it is far better to put it away forcibly than to parley with it; for give anger ever so little way, and it will become master, like the serpent, who easily works in its body wherever it can once introduce its head.--St. Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life

Many appear full of mildness and sweetness as long as everything goes their own way; but the moment any contradiction or adversity arises, they are in a flame, and begin to rage like a burning mountain. Such people as these are like red-hot coals hidden under ashes. This is not the mildness which Our Lord undertook to teach us in order to make us like unto Himself.--Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

AND, here's Dr. Ray Guarendi speaking on the topic



 I also found this Priest and his article instructive - The Seven Capital Sins, #4 Anger Father Michael gives practical advice on how to overcome the sin of anger in our lives... A Winning Strategy for Inner Peace and Authenticity.

I pray to model the peace and control I wish to see in my children. 


6 comments:

Christina said...

Great post, Allison! I needed to read this today.

The Riopel Family said...

Ephesians 4:29 is one of my favorites. A am constantly reminding myself to "never let evil talk pass my lips. say only the good things men need to hear~the things that will truly help them" anger and impatience are a daily issue for me...esp. with homeschooling. i fear it will be a life-long battle. :{

Kim said...

my husband always struggles with this but he is pig headed and always says well Jesus was angry at the temple! and counters with the concept of righteous anger. but every situation to him seems worthy of righteous anger when it really isn't. Such as last weekend at the park a big boy comes over and pushes my son off the swing and of course my husband gets angry. To me this is just a situation where some understanding is more inclined than jumping to anger. Anyway, for him its his biggest struggle.

I also heard somewhere that children learn how to love from their mothers and learn how to control anger from their fathers.

Patty said...

I struggle with this. And during the school year it seems to be at its' worse with all the stress and tension. Thanks for sharing all of this. Good spiritual medicine, Allison!

Valerie said...

Excellent post! I can especially relate to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Thank you for these words from Scripture and the Saints!

Hugs,
Valerie

Ida said...

This is great!

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