Anger can eat away at our souls, robbing us of peace

“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” #8212; Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV)

When was the last time you were angry?

I mean really mad at something or someone? Maybe someone cut you off in traffic yesterday or today and it made you mad. Or was it the sarcastic remark someone said that distressed you?

Perhaps it#146;s just a culmination of little things that keep piling up, that eventually caused you to explode.

Anger #8212; what is it? It#146;s a normal response we have when we perceive our worth or value has been threatened.

However, the feeling of anger isn#146;t a sin; it#146;s what we do with it that can result in a sinful act. When our rage causes us to harm someone else or ourselves, we have carried it much too far.

There is a saying, #147;anger is one letter from danger.#148; Scripture instructs us not to allow the sun to go down without acknowledging our anger and deciding to let it go. God knows the longer we stay angry, the more destructive it becomes.

There are a few instances in Scripture where Jesus displayed anger. But he didn#146;t harm anyone or remain that way. He confronted the issues. Anger used constructively can motivate us to stand up for a righteous cause.

Remaining angry only hurts us. If you poured acid into a container, over a period a time it would erode and eat away at the container. Anger eats away at our souls and robs us of the peace and joy of life. It can also cause us to bring on many destructive consequences when taken in our own hands.

As a nurse, I learned that many stress-related diseases are brought on by chronic unmanaged anger. Stomach disorders, headaches, chronic muscle aches and pains, jaw problems from teeth grinding can be some ways anger manifests itself in our physical bodies.

Sometimes we can be angry for a long time; because we are so use to being angry we hardly recognize that we are feeling that way.

Recognizing when we become angry, and identifying what sorts of things trigger our anger, can help us manage it appropriately. Choosing to forgive, rather than trying to collect from a wrongdoing is a major step in managing anger. I#146;m not saying there are not times to pursue justice; but this needs to be done in a lawful manner for correction, not for vengeance.

Our everyday issues demand us to take charge of our lives. Asking God to help heal our hurts and strengthen us to manage our runaway emotions, including anger, can lead us to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Ÿ Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com.