Do Not Sin in Anger

This week Jesus reminds us once again how to live as good Christians Mat 5: 17-37. Jesus warns us that our angry words and actions which are destructive are sinful.  Anger is dangerous because it could lead to revenge, violence and unforgiveness.

 Fr. Andrew Manickam in explaining the word of God touched on anger. He said we have all experienced it, tasted it, and felt it. He reminded the congregation that themes of anger are very common in the bible as explained in the stories of Cain, the prodigal son and Joseph. Anger has caused so much destruction in relationships.

We are reminded in Proverbs 14:29 ‘Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly’

Why are we angry?

C.S Lewis explains that we need to ponder on why we are angry and it is sometimes a disguise for some other deep rooted issues.

“I sat with my anger long enough until she told me her real name was grief”

How do we conquer our anger?

St Gregory suggests that we recall our own weakness and sins when we are angry for the transgression of others. We are to remember that God forgives us.

“Just as fire is extinguished by water, when anger rises in the mind, all should remember their own guilt, because we should be ashamed not to forgive sins when we remember that we have often sinned against God or neighbor and needed forgiveness.”

Psalm 4:4 tells us’ In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent‘