Everyone is so angry nowadays. Have you noticed it too? If you've ever read the comments section of nearly any article in your favorite news feed, it doesn't take long to see someone's rage crop up like a provoked python as they begin name-calling and accusing others in escalating disagreement. As the Joker once asked "Why so serious?" And why so mad? The online vilification of those with whom we disagree, I suppose has something to do with the anonymity of it all. You know. It's so safe. There behind a computer screen I can say whatever I want...however I want. Throw in the added privacy of the closed door, and opponents out in cyberspace can quickly become dehumanized, making them very...attackable, and that's exactly what we do. We attack them.
The question I have is why is our society so angry? Of course, there are as many answers to that question as there are bitter blokes out there. Deep seated issues have eroded trust and offended the better angels of our nature...and we are ticked about it.
What does the Bible tell us about this? How are we instructed to live. It admonishes us to maintain self-control over our anger (Eph. 4:26) and warns us what can happen if we do not (Matt 5:21-22). I want to offer a few thoughts about dealing with what makes us angry:
1. Recognize that the reason you are angry is because what really matters to you has been devalued: At the bottom of every angry moment is our trampled code of conduct. We all possess a value system. It is, to us, what really counts in this life. If someone violates it, we become angry. For instance, if you think time is important to be prompt, you have little tolerance for people who are constantly late. If you value natural resources, you may tend to get extremely upset with litterbugs or industrialists. If you champion equality you fume when someone is treated unfairly. Of course, this is not always a bad thing. There are some things that ought to upset us. We just need to understand what has made us mad.
2. Recognize that your rising anger needs to be addressed and the cause needs to be identified:
You do not need to ignore your anger, but rather determine what is causing it. Paul says "Do not let the sun go down on your anger." In other words, do not just go to bed without knowing what set you off. Your anger is like a smoke detector. When it goes off, there is a reason. Maybe it is because the fire place is not properly ventilated or someone is cooking something in the kitchen. Or maybe the house is on fire. It would be silly to turn in for the night while the alarm on the smoke detector is blaring without having any idea as to why. In the same way, you should not ignore what is making you angry but rather identify it and address it.
3. Recognize what needs to be done about the anger that is within you and deal with it:
Even Jesus got angry and overturned the table of the moneychangers in the temple. Let it be noted that He never sinned by doing so. He dealt with what angered Him immediately and appropriately. We must do the same. Bottling up what upsets us is only exasperating the problem. Perhaps we need to be more patient when people are tardy, or more understanding of those who do not value physical exercise as much as we do. But there is a reason to be angry with unkindness or unfairness. Deal appropriately with what makes you mad.
4. Recognize when you are getting angry over something that is inconsequential:
Many times people are mad about the small inconvenience of say that inconsiderate person with 24 items in the "20 items or less" line at the grocery store. Annoyance leads to anger with the waiter who delivers (not prepares, mind you) an undercooked steak to your table. Are these really the issues that are getting under our skin? Try to let these small things go before they affect your spiritual, mental and even physical well-being.
There is always an opportunity to get mad about something. The problem is that it costs so much. It hands your ability to be happy and enjoy life over to some power outside of you. Rest in Jesus, believer. Know that He has everything under control. When you hold onto your anger, it is like holding onto a hot coal just waiting to throw it at someone. Typically it is you that ends up being most injured.