Out of pride and envy arise the bitterness of anger.
The vice of anger is a disposition of unjust wrath toward God, neighbor, or the good.
There is righteous anger, which inspires one to stand against evil. Jesus displayed this when he flipped the tables in the temple to halt sin (Matthew 21:12-13).
Anger is justified to this end.
Anger becomes a vice when it's directed twoard God or neighbor personally. Remember, we are called to love the sinner - hate the sin.
Unjust anger makes one short-tempered, short-sighted, ill-willed, and unforgiving. Whether held in thought, expressed in action, held in brief, or for years on end - its weight is crippling to the soul- often leading to hatred of the people who created the anger, and, eventually, hatred of God who creates the people.
Counter anger with the virtues of meekness, forbearance, forgiveness, and prayerfulness.
Meekness and forbearance allow you to bear a frustrating situation with a heart of mercy - to take a deep breath when the fire of anger flares up inside and temper it gracefully.
This prevents anger from winning over the heat of the moment. Forgiveness prevents it from winning over the whole of your life.
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you" (Lewis B. Smedes).
Pray for those who hurt you. The waves of anger are broken on the rocks of prayer -- bringing peace to your soul.
(horseandchariot.com)
