Anger

Years ago, I worked as an electronics technician for CBS, aka Columbia Broadcasting System). One of my co-workers, with whom I was friends, had a volatile temper. I never learned the cause of his anger, but it so filled him up that it was like a full cup of coffee. The slightest nudge and his anger came spilling out upon everyone around him.

A reoccurring message from God is “peace.” From God’s comfort to Abraham regarding Abraham’s death (Genesis 15:15) to John’s greeting to the seven churches in Asia (Revelation 1:4), peace is a gift from God. When Jesus was preparing His Apostles for His return to Heaven, He promised them, and through them to us, a special peace (John 14: 27).

During Christ’s earthly ministry, this truth He taught made the Jewish leaders so angry that they decided to kill him. (John 7:1) When the leaders were scheming, Nicodemus interjected,

“Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.
– John 7:51-52

The leaders’ curt reply shows a common aspect of anger—that of twisting or ignoring the facts. They said, “No prophet arises from Galilee,” yet Jonah, of Gath-hepher, and Elijah, of Thisbe, both came from Galilee.

The nature of anger makes it difficult to know when it may manifest and what level of violence may accompany it. When it does, we need God’s peace. This is why it is so important for us to always be aware of God’s presence and be in conversation with Him. As we abide in Jesus, His peace rests on us and affects people around us. It may not keep us from being torn apart by wild animals, but it can calm and assure those who go with us.