By the Way: Stopping anger in its tracks
By Rev. Nancy Cocks on August 24, 2024.
There is so much anger in the news. From sniping politicians to campus campouts, we seem to shout in anger at each other rather than discuss the roots of our concerns. Then there are bomb threats and drone strikes. No discussion there, whatsoever. So I was curious when I found eight words naming different kinds of anger including wrath, malice, wrangling, slander, bitterness, evil talk (read gossip), irritation and a form of anger that provokes anger in others, in just four verses written by St Paul. Wrath is anger that erupts in outrage and violence. Wrangling involves a call for vengeance; slander implies speaking falsely. As a pastor, I’ve seen bitterness and irritation seethe in those who carried remembered unfairness and current anxiety, who then dumped that pain on unsuspecting bystanders. Anger diminishes us and our relationships – which was St Paul’s point. So he recommended never letting the sun go down on anger. Figure out the root of your anger and face it – to claim a good night’s sleep and repair damaged relations the next morning. Now Paul was writing to the Church, yet he hoped Jesus’ followers would practice the forgiveness and kindness Jesus’ embodied, setting a different model within Roman society. Don’t I wish Christian history lived up to his hope! Yet we are all, whatever our creed or values, subject to angry passions. I have challenged the Churches I’m part of to practice stopping their anger in its tracks. From now to Christmas. For it does take practice to bite your tongue before passing on some spiteful gossip or take a deep breath before uttering a harsh word or forwarding an angry meme. St Paul cared about maintaining good relationships in communities. So do I. So I dare you. From now to Christmas, practise snuffing out an angry outburst (or small comment) with a deep breath. Bite your tongue before passing on a rumour or snide remark. Offer your anger to God – or the galaxy – and have a better night’s sleep! We’ll all be the better for it. Rev. Dr. Nancy Cocks is a retired Presbyterian minister 11-10
