Anger, Explored

Jer 15:15-18, Psa 26:1-7, Rom 12:14-20, Matt 16:21-23

Jeremiah 15:15-18 (NRSV):

15 O Lord, you know;

    remember me and visit me,

    and bring down retribution for me on my persecutors.

In your forbearance do not take me away;

    know that on your account I suffer insult.

16 Your words were found, and I ate them,

    and your words became to me a joy

    and the delight of my heart,

for I am called by your name,

    O Lord, God of hosts.

17 I did not sit in the company of merrymakers,

    nor did I rejoice;

under the weight of your hand I sat alone,

    for you had filled me with indignation.

18 Why is my pain unceasing,

    my wound incurable,

    refusing to be healed?

Psalm 26:1-7a (NRSV):

1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
    for I have walked in my integrity,
    and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
    test my heart and mind.

3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
    and I walk in faithfulness to you.

4 I do not sit with the worthless,
    nor do I consort with hypocrites;

5 I hate the company of evildoers
    and will not sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands in innocence
    and go around your altar, O Lord,

7 singing aloud a song of thanksgiving…

Romans 12:14-20 (NRSV):

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.”

Matthew 16:21-23 (NRSV):

21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me, for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

Queries:

What have I learned from my experiences with my and others’ anger?

What is constructive anger? What is destructive anger?

How is anger a part of my God image, for better or worse?

When has anger hurt me or others? When has it helped me or others?

From Oh No by Alex Norris