Fish Stories: Jonah’s Anger – Wednesday
Matthew 5:25
Come to terms quickly with your enemy before it is too late. (TLB)
I once read about several motorists who had a private “demolition derby” as they chased each other and rammed each other for nearly an hour on the freeway. The police eventually apprehended and arrested all of them. When asked what started the confrontation, one man said, “I guess I just lost my temper, and then everyone else did, too.”
Anger is a real problem in our high-pressure society. We encounter people who test our patience daily: an inconsiderate spouse, an ungrateful teenager, or perhaps someone with different political or religious views. Jesus admonishes us to deal with our anger quickly. But how?
There tend to be five levels of anger: irritation from unpleasant circumstances, indignation over something unfair or unreasonable, wrath accompanied by a desire to get even, fury which produces a momentary loss of control, and rage which makes one a danger to himself and others).
I pulled into a parking space some time ago, unaware that someone was waiting for it. The other driver pulled alongside me as I exited my car and spewed several “colorful” words. “You blankety-blank-blank,” he said, “Didn’t you see me waiting for that spot?” Before I realized what I was saying, I said, “Yeah, I saw you. So what?” Fortunately, he had a couple of small kids in his car, or he would’ve caught me as I ran toward the Target entrance! Perhaps all of us, like the moon, have a dark side.
Here are five ways to get a handle on anger: 1) Wait. Push pause. Give yourself time to cool off. There is great wisdom in deliberate self-restraint. 2) Talk it through civilly. Jesus said, “Settle matters quickly with your adversary.” (Matthew 5:25). 3) Ask forgiveness for your words and actions. That’s a choice, not a feeling. By the way, the strongest person will usually go first. 4) Pray. You’ll need God’s help to resolve conflict. Ask Him for it. 5) Affirm. Speak “life” words, not “death” words. Encourage, don’t discourage. Say to yourself, “Will this heal?” If it won’t, why say it?
Wednesday’s Reflection
In J.M. Barrie’s book, “The Little White Bird'' there is a scene where a young husband is waiting at the hospital for his first child to be born. As he waits, he begins to ponder how he has treated her. “I wonder if I’ve been as kind as I could’ve been?” So the first thing he says to her as she emerges from the delivery room is, “Sweetheart, starting now, let’s always try to be a little kinder than is necessary.” Good wisdom. Good advice. Do it.
