Love Really Is the Answer

Have you ever been so mad that you had an imaginary conversation in your head where you absolutely leveled the recipient of your anger with your clever words and snappy comebacks? Were you hot under the collar? As ill as a hornet? Were you about to fly off the handle or have a hissy fit? Were your knickers in a twist? (That’s a polite way to say “Were your panties in a wad?”)

That’s where I am right now. I’m ready to have a come to Jesus meeting with some folks who were raised to know better. And no, I’m not going to name names (it’s not my husband) or even tell you the situation. The reason that I’m even bringing this up is so that we can talk about anger for a minute or two.

Anger in itself is not a sin, but how we handle our anger can  very well lead to sin. You’ve heard the phrase, “I don’t get angry—I get even.” That’s a very human response, and while getting even may give you a temporary sense of satisfaction, it’s not the best way to resolve a troubling situation.

Not all anger is bad. In fact, it’s ok to be angry. When Jesus overturned the tables of the moneychangers in the Temple in Jerusalem, He was angry for the right reason—these men had dishonored God by taking advantage of those who came to offer sacrifices to atone for their sins. God was angry over and over again with the Hebrews for not following his commandments. And while God’s anger is what kept them wandering in the desert for 40 years, God’s love got them to the Promised Land.

In the King James Bible, the word anger appears 234 times, while the word love appears only 310 times. And while the word anger appears more often in the Old Testament than in the New Testament, the converse is true about the word love. Most people would consider that a clue—love is more important than anger. In Matthew 22:37 (NRSV), when Jesus is asked which is the greatest commandment, he paraphrases the Torah and replies, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”  In verse 39, Jesus adds that the second important commandment is “You shall love your neighbor as yourself….” Jesus was telling us that love really is the answer! Showing love diffuses anger. It actually de-fuses anger. It’s almost impossible for your anger to control you if you’re focused on loving the ones who who hurt you.

The next time you’re angry, you don’t have to release balloons and sing “Let It Go.” You’re allowed to be angry. But before you chew up nails and spit out a barbed wire fence, try out some Biblical advice:

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

Ephesians 4:26-27—Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil.

James 1:19—You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce righteousness.

Now, stop pouting, produce some righteousness, and have a happy and blessed Sunday!