Rise Above Your Anger

There's a story about a woman who was bit by a mad dog. It looked as if she would die of a rare case of rabies, so the doctor told her she should make her Will. Taking her pen and paper, she began to write and kept going so much so that she requested another piece of paper. Finally, the doctor said, "That is certainly a long Will you're making." She snorted, "Will nothing! I'm making a list of all the people I'm going to bite!"

Sadly, some people are so consumed with their anger that nothing else but payback seems to matter. The most practical counsel concerning anger and the typical emotions that follow, such as bitterness, rage, revenge, and wrath, is Romans 12:17-21, which plainly says, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.20 On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

The Scriptures make clear that revenge is a losing proposition with zero return. Therefore, we need to take helpful steps, including putting away our retaliation plots. You may have noticed that you remain angry when thinking about how you will get even. It controls your thoughts and consumes your day.

However, if you are willing to surrender your ability to get retribution to God, He promises to write the wrong at some point. This perspective is both wise and healthy. Perhaps nothing will destroy your sanity faster than unchecked anger (It can even adversely impact your physical and relational health.)

Thus, if we are going to rise above our anger, we can not be overcome with evil responses such as profanity, malice, and violence. Let us take the path that God approves and burn our "bite list" like that lady should've done! As you go forward, apply Jesus' teaching on mercy and forgiveness.