Some people value the ability to find a good deal when buying and selling in order to make or save money. Some people value ongoing education whether it involves further coursework, hands-on training or personal study/reading in order to maintain a top professional standing. Some value a quick wit, perhaps for the laughter it gives others or for the attention they receive for themselves.
There are many things in life that have some measure of value, but I have never heard anyone explain the value of anger. You see, the examples presented above have value because of the benefits received. One might say that people place their trust in things of value which they perceive will provide an expected benefit or result. But what about anger?
I’ve heard many people attempt justify anger or defend anger. I suppose there are times when anger is justified. Yet, again, what is its benefit? What is the purpose of anger? What do you expect to gain by being angry?
Let me continue by ruling one thing out…
But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.— James 1:19-20
A person can make a case for anger in order to justify anger from the past, present or future. However, anger will never achieve righteousness. In the Bible, righteousness is one of those things that you really want. In fact, Jesus said, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20) He also said that the righteous will inherit eternal life! (Matthew 25:46) So, anger doesn’t really promise any kind of benefit with regard to God.
If you think about the last time you became angry, or think about things that make you angry, what would you say? Are there things that you think you should be angry about?
Most people are bothered by injustice. One might describe an injustice as being unfair or not right. That is actually how God created us; to be bothered by the injustices of life. And yet, giving oneself over to anger because of injustice accomplishes nothing good, not righteousness.
God’s wrath was brought against injustices toward the poor, the needy and widows (Isaiah 10:2; Ezekiel 16:49). Yet, it should be observed, that God took action. He did not just gripe about it. Other injustices might be put in the same category. However, anger gives no benefit.
This point is magnified when one’s anger is not so noble, that is, not motivated by injustices against others. It is my observation that anger is more often motivated by injustices that people perceive to be against themselves. They feel that they have been treated unfairly. It is seen in an angry scowl of disapproval, a child’s disobedient temper tantrum, or, far worse, the murder of another human being.
In most cases anger is a knee-jerk reaction. So, before getting angry again, stop and think about all the benefits of anger. Then, ask yourself, “Can I trust anger to give me anything good?”
Mark Stinnett
October 9, 2022
Yes, anger is a knee-jerk reaction...to another emotion. First you feel hurt, then you feel anger. First you feel disrespected, then you feel anger. You really cannot deal with your anger until you have learned to vocalize the initial feeling and deal with that. Vocalizing the initial feeling of hurt can be difficult because of the chance of rejection. What if they don't care that they hurt you. That is rejection, which can send you on another cycle of hurt/anger.
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