"Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil."(Psalm 37:8) "For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:20)
In the spring of 1894, the Baltimore Orioles came to Boston to play a routine baseball game. But what happened that day was anything but routine. The Orioles’ John McGraw got into a fight with the Boston third baseman. Within minutes all the players from both teams had joined in the brawl. The warfare quickly spread to the grandstands. Among the fans the conflict went from bad to worse. Someone set fire to the stands and the entire ballpark burned to the ground. Not only that, but the fire spread to 107 other Boston buildings as well.(Ministry 127-Anger)
What happened at this baseball game 127 years, is happening today on a regular basis. My question today is: Why are we so mad at each other? Just because we have different ideas, opinions, tastes, views, political platforms, religious practices, etc. - Why do we voice such hatred and hostility? And in some cases, afflict violence upon those who disagree with us?
David in his Psalm (37:8) tells us to "refrain from anger" (in the NKJV - the word is "cease" from anger." David agrees with James, that anger sets a path to evil, it will not "produce the righteousness of God"
Anger is a destructive emotion. And it is like a match that sets a forest on fire. It has caused destruction in marriages, families, communities, schools, government, and yes in churches. It has caused our nation to be very divided today.
So what is the solution? Love is the solution! Love causes us to not be in a hurry to get angry. When we lay aside self, and concentrate on the needs, and feelings of others, it will help us to deal with irregular people, and stressful situations. "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1).
The love of Jesus Christ, when shown on a regular basis, will help us to debate, and negotiate, in a very positive, concerned manner. Like the line in the song: "What the world needs now, is love, sweet love!" We need it today, more than ever! GP
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