Anger 

   In most instances anger is a dreadful thing.  However, there is a time for righteous anger, which is anger not against the person but toward the acts of that person.  Even Jesus knew this type of anger.  Seeing the money changers and those selling sacrifices in the temple He made a whip of cords and chased them out of the temple proclaiming, “Take them out of here!  Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace.” (John 2: 16)

   But what are we to be angry about?  What actions of today’s world should cause righteous outrage in our hearts?  It’s not hard to think of some, but what is hard is to not focus our anger on the person who is sinning, but for the sinful and offensive actions they commit.

   God gave us the marital act, which is intended for procreation, to participate with God in creating new life.  When engaged in as it should be it also strengthens and supports the blessedness of a sacramental marriage.  It is not and should never become just a means of earthly pleasure.  Even the new life that may be created is rejected by much of society who considers the baby as nothing more than an inconvenience who can be killed and discarded at will.  How can there not be anger at such atrocities? 

   Religious leaders who would attempt to redefine and water down God’s word to placate an evil society are certainly worthy of Holy anger.  They are failing their flocks with their misguided teachings.  Christ himself had devastating words for those who would do such things, “If anyone causes one of the little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9: 42).

   There are plenty of things in the brokenness of our world that can cause anger in our hearts for the offense they bring to God that should rightly be denounced.  However, if we allow our anger to become judgement of the person rather than just the act committed, we ourselves are guilty of sin.  For Jesus said, “Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement….” (Matt 5: 22).