It is Shocking
In the winter, our house turns into a miniature electrical field. The dry heat and cold weather causes an increase in static electricity and getting “shocked” is a daily occurrence. Some shocks are worse than others.
For example, if your 5-yearold son (as mine did), is throwing a temper tantrum and is told to go to his room and briskly stomps and shuffles his feet along the carpeted flooring this may drastically increase the severity of the shock. In fact, as he reaches to turn on his light in the darkness, it may very well look like a lightning bolt has extended from the switch to his fingertip. By the way, if you laugh at this karmic set of circumstances it might just make the anger worse.
Here’s the point—anger has a way of backfiring on us. When we respond to others with a quick-tempered, hot-headed passion it is like scooting your feet on the floor and touching something metal—it is going to have some kick to it.
Anger is a natural feeling to have toward an enemy or someone who has wronged us. However, acting out our anger in sinful ways will do nothing but add friction to an already intense situation.
Paul teaches, “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).
The one who acts out in anger often receives a comparable response. The cycle of vengeance often continues until cooler heads prevail.
Jesus expects His followers to have “cooler heads.” He says, “...bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44).
To this Paul adds, “Repay no one evil for evil...beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21).
Solomon once wrote, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). God does not want His people to be the troublemakers of society. Instead, Jesus says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Are you setting yourself up for a jolt? Think about it.
February 2009