Anger is Like a Sneeze
“Be angry and yet
do not sin. . .” Eph 4:26
I have
spinal stenosis and seasonal allergies.
Before you scream “TOO much information” at your screen, there is a
point. When I emit one of those
explosive allergy sneezes it causes a pain that sweeps across my lower back and
down both legs. But, if I get an early warning
that the sneeze is coming I can sit down or slightly bend my knees to head off
the discomfort this violent explosion will cause.
When we
sneeze we are expected to take steps to limit its effect even when we have only
a split second to respond. No matter how
brief the warning we teach children to reach for a tissue or cover the sneeze
with their sleeve. We turn away from
others so that they are protected. We
are responsible for our sneeze, and even when we are careful, we usually
apologize after sneezing.
Anger is
like a sneeze. Unchecked it can do
damage but there is often a warning signal. Wise people recognize the signs of
an impending sneeze and take action.
There are usually warning signs of impending anger. We can learn our pattern – increased heart
rate, changes in respiration, feeling ‘hot’ or tense – and respond appropriately
before others are affected. While we
would never dream of exposing others to the full volcanic fury of an allergy
sneeze we will unapologetically allow our anger to be fully exposed to anyone
in close proximity, refusing to take responsibility for the outcome.
Scripture
admonishes us over and over to control anger.
Our creator has provided us with warning signals to allow us to take
measures to minimize the damage anger can leave in its wake. It is important
for us to learn our own signals before we express it in ways offend our brothers,
sisters and neighbors.
“. . . for the anger of
man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James1:20
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