Chaplains’ Chat

Anger is a powerful emotion that all of us have experienced. Sometimes we are on the receiving end of anger that is directed at us. At other times, it is ourselves who have got angry. Of course, anger may not always be a bad thing. I can be angry at injustice in our world. Last year, it was reported that millions of Australians were on the receiving end of a financial scam of some description. We can be angry that this occurs because we know that ultimately this is unfair and unjust. Of course, what we do with our anger is also important.

And yet we probably don’t have to think back too far in our week to think of times when we were angry in an unhelpful way. Typically, we get angry when things don’t go our way. This itself is something for us to reflect upon! In Chapel this week, we were reminded from Ephesians 4:26: “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” There is great wisdom in these verses. Certainly, there is a reminder to deal with our anger quickly. Leaving anger, even for a day, can cause the anger to grow into bitterness, and typically, this is directed at others. There are, of course, many ways to deal with anger. Sometimes it could be speaking an encouraging word in response to a situation. Sometimes it could not be saying a word at all. Jesus did both at times. The one who had the right to be angry at people in so many situations, responds with love. Jesus goes to the Cross to show this love for us. In doing so, it was clear Jesus was thinking of others and not himself. Here is a great starting point in dealing with any anger.

Rev Anthony Benn
Chaplain