John 2:15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
Anger is a normal and healthy emotion but the reason behind it makes it healthy or hideous. “Anger that leads us towards responses, that help us overcome obstacles, is necessary”, says Heather Lench. We must understand the difference between healthy/holy anger and hideous anger. Healthy anger redefines our goals and visions. It helps us to revisit a failure and reset our ambition to align with our purpose. Healthy anger eliminates anything and anyone who hinders growth and progress. Holy anger is our zeal for the Lord. It does not have a hidden agenda of personal benefits but is pure, passionate and purpose driven. ‘Hideous anger’ on the other hand is just a reaction because our feelings, pride or ego are hurt.
Many people dismiss their resentful reaction as ‘holy anger’ and quote Jesus making a whip in the temple to drive out the money lenders. Jesus did not react because His ego was hurt. The motive behind His action was not a reaction to insulted, shame, hurt, abused or misused. It was not a response to threat but a purposeful reaction to establish truth. Holy anger should burn within us when we witness misuse of authority that hurts the helpless. Holy anger should retort appropriately to stop manipulation of the vulnerable or mastery over the innocent and ignorant. Holy anger establishes truth and benefits others. There is no selfishness or ego in holy anger.
The usual angry reaction to slander, mockery or road rage arises because our ego is hurt and is hideous anger. Holy Anger is from a pure heart and clean intentions with no hidden agenda. Holy anger stirs within you even when your enemy is wronged or slandered.
The disciples James and John wanted to destroy the Samaritans who refused to accommodate Jesus as their ego was hurt. “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them (Luke 9:54b-55). The disciples thought that they were filled with holy fervor but it was only hideous rage. Jesus rebuked them.
Healthy Anger vs. Hideous Anger:
1. Hurt: Anger is a natural response when we are hurt, threatened or wronged. Jesus cannot be quoted for a hideous response. Our self esteem and self-worth can only hurt if we allow people to wound us. The more offended we are, the angrier we become. Anger is healthy only if it makes you better, not bitter.
2. Hidden: Angry response with hidden agenda to get our way is not holy anger but hideous anger. Egoistic responses cause destruction of oneself and others. Refrain from egoistic anger.
3. Hideous: Controlling others with anger tantrums is hideous, demonic and manipulative. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23a). Controlling anger tantrums are ugly and immature.
Anger incited by ego and selfish gains is hideous not healthy or holy.
Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
Prayer: Jesus, The Prince of Peace, give me a peaceful and gentle spirit and reprimand me when my ego inflames hideous anger. Amen.
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