MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022, SEVEN DEADLY SINS - WRATH

 MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022, SEVEN DEADLY SINS - WRATH

I’m writing about the seven deadly sins - lust, greed, envy (jealousy), pride, gluttony, wrath, and sloth.  At this point, I have two sins left - wrath (anger) and sloth (tomorrow’s topic).

Wrath: strong vengeful anger or indignation

Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems—problems at work, in your personal relationships, and in the overall quality of your life.

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We’ve all been angry at some time (or, more probably, many times).  But, when it gets out of control, it can be very bad.

The Bible suggests that anger can be okay:

“Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. “ Ephesians 4:26

It is when anger turns to intense anger - rage, and you “fly off the handle”, you say mean and stupid things, you might let your physical side take over and slap your child or spouse, you might throw a vase to break it, or break a window.  Intense anger (wrath) can cause a person to lose self-control and become “an animal”. 

I do remember getting so angry once - and throwing my keys to the ground - and actually bending the car key (I did force it back straight).  

Anger can range from being mildly upset.  The referee's call was wrong in the big game.  Is he blind?  In most cases, a person can live with that.  But, if the referee’s call causes me to throw a rock through my TV screen, that is true anger.

ANGER MANAGEMENT

“Anger management is a psycho-therapeutic program for anger prevention and control. It has been described as deploying anger successfully. Anger is frequently a result of frustration, or of feeling blocked or thwarted from something the subject feels is important.” 

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From the Mayo Clinic:

1. Think before you speak. ...

2. Once you're calm, express your concerns. ...

3. Get some exercise. ...

4. Take a timeout. ...

5. Identify possible solutions. ...

6. Stick with 'I' statements. ...

7. Don't hold a grudge. ...

8. Use humor to release tension.

9. Practice relaxation skills

10. Know when to seek help

I’d like to add two additional thoughts:

Can I do anything about this?  (Or any rational thing).  In a political contest, a candidate that I liked lost by a reasonable amount (close - but not too close).  Can I do anything about that?  Can I yell and scream “FOUL”.  Can I storm the Capitol in protest?  Can I beat up Capitol Guards to gain access to the building?  Am I able to change the outcome?  If not, forget about it.

My favorite football team lost in overtime in the Super Bowl game.  There was definitely a penalty on the winning team on the last play - and the blind referee didn’t catch it.  Should I get my gun and find that referee and shoot him? (her?)

I got passed over for a raise.  I know my manager doesn’t like me.  Can I make posters and stand outside my office building with my poster that says “Management is unfair to employees”?  

Can I really do anything about these situations?  Probably not any sane actions.  Yes, I can storm the Capitol, yes, I can hunt down the referee or my manager.  Will that solve the situation?  Not really.

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Thought 2 - the expression is “life is short”.  My first-century Jewish Rabbi said, “Turn the other cheek, go a second mile, love your enemies, love one another”. Will raising my blood pressure, and being irate really help me?  Forgive the other person.  Learn to love the other person.

Another expression is “life isn’t fair”.  Yup, I didn’t get the promotion.  So what?  I can try to work harder and try to hit all the goals my manager sets.  I can also quit and find another job.  

A third expression is “bloom where you are planted”.  Maybe the situation isn’t fair, can I spread love without being a complainer and crab?  Can I work for positive change?  

And, a fourth expression is “forgive and forget”.  Move on.  What’s done can’t be undone.

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There is a panic button in my heart relating to a situation.  I can choose to be upset or I can choose to accept (or at least tolerate) the situation.  

I can also pray about it, and ask God (Holy Spirit) to guide me.  I can’t change others, I can only change myself.  Learning to live with the situation can be tough, but pretty much has to be done to keep my sanity.

The serenity prayer seems to help me:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

LOVE WINS!!!

Karen

June 13, 2022