Shades of Anger

“If you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!” (Matthew 5:22 MSG)

I’ve never thought of myself as an angry person. I rarely fight with my family or friends. We don’t scream, hit, or throw things in our home. We don’t call each other names or yell obscenities. My anger issues are camouflaged. I have learned to dress them up in presentable clothes, in muted shades that are less obvious. Instead of getting angry, I tend to get disappointed, annoyed, irritated, and frustrated at people. I have been known to use words that maim others in order to get my point across. I can hold a grudge like nobody’s business. Unforgiveness festers in the deep recesses of my mind.

Anger corrupts our heart, blocking the ability to perceive God in this world. Bitterness overpowers His flavors, while muddy attitudes mask His colors.

Anger doesn’t improve anything. People and circumstances will continue to disappoint us. We cannot even change our own frustrating habits, so why do we think we can influence others to change? The only real solution is to release every  person and circumstance to God. Relinquish expectations. Let God take care of everything, as only He can.