Originally posted on CopticNN
In our fast paced and modern lives,
based around quick communication and quicker reaction we often do not take time
reflect; however, this lack of reflection and introspection can often give rise
to the struggle of controlling anger and lack of consideration of the impact of
these feelings on ourselves and our faith. In fact, both scripture and the
writings of the Church fathers warn of this constantly and give numerous reasons
why we need to be cautious about our failures to stop and consider others.
In his letter to the Ephesians, St
Paul dedicates vast swathes of his writing to warnings of the impact of a lack
of insight when dealing with others. He begins the fourth chapter of the letter
with a plea to, “Make every effort to keep the
unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” (Ephesians 4:3) reminding the community that collaboration and
cooperation with another in our spiritual lives is a task which requires effort
on all our parts. Throughout the chapter St Paul uses this opportunity to
express the link between acceptance of the weaknesses of others and growth in
the Christian life.
In this way we
are warned here to take time to think of the impact of our activities on those
around us and reflect on the situations which may surround us when confronted
with anger or bitterness towards others for our weaknesses or theirs. St Basil
discusses this also in his sermon on anger, stating that it leads us to act
irrationally since those caught in the throws of anger, “do not have time
for the perception of what they have suffered, since the whole of their soul
has been moved toward revenge against those who have grieved them.” This
presents us with a challenge since we are all often caught in the bonds of
annoyance or frustration, having felt wronged, and we see this become
especially common today where we are open to means of communication which can
respond in short and quick terms without the need for any physical or emotional
closeness to others, effectively foregoing the need for any consequence or
witness of the implications.
St John
Chrysostom discusses this in his 8th homily on the Epistle to the
Ephesians, emphasising the need to recognise the unity of ourselves and our
brothers instead of enmity at times of strife. He says that we should, “Bind
yourself to your brother. They bear all things lightly who are bound together
in love.” In this there is a recognition of our natural biases towards
those close to us, however the solution he offers is not a novel one but I
vital part of the Christian message, to recognise that all are our brothers and
sisters and therefore there is to be no favouritism in our dealings with each
other, echoing Christ’s own sentiment in Luke 8:21 that, “My mother and my
brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” In these words,
all we interact with become closer and to be treated equally with respect as
those brought into life in Christ. These words can apply in any situation, and
not just to those who share our faith but all those who share in being part of
God’s act of creation.
So how do we
overcome this struggle? It is not an easy task. However, we are given many
examples in the words of the Apostles and Fathers to guide us in this
challenge. The first of these we can take it is to stop and consider our
responses to the actions of others. St Basil speaks of this as to, “give
your thoughts the opportunity to choose the good portion,” and considering
that the actions you take will either assist that person in their growth,
demonstrating God’s love. If you choose in such situations to act in spite it
will have the opposite impact and drive that person further to their own anger
and potentially into the hands of other sins. A similar sentiment is expressed
by St Paul to his Ephesian brothers, whom he tells “In your anger do not sin,” (Ephesians 4:26) in this
manner telling them to think before they take actions which will lead to the
suffering of others. This manner of thought before action leads one to the
opportunity to assess their situation and reflect before they turn from godly acts.
This also allows the opportunity to reflect and apply this response when in
struggles, giving the opportunity for prayer and development in these virtues.
Similarly, another way to build up a
habit against anger and bitterness is to actively practice Christian virtue.
This is again a key theme mentioned by St Paul in his letter to the Corinthians
when he advises them to, “put on the new self, created to be like
God in true righteousness and holiness,” (Ephesians 4:24) warning them
against continuing to practice deception and anger. In this way, if we are to
seek to emulate Christ through a life of virtue we should be constantly
vigilant in avoiding sinful passions. This can mean working on both our prayer
life, which is the basis of all virtue, and on the application of our faith in
our daily lives through recognition of the virtues of humility and peacefulness
in our actions we can work to avoid lapsing into anger and malice, always being
reminded of the example set in the life and teachings of the incarnate Word of
God.
This leads to a final thought. St Paul finishes the 4th
chapter of his letter to the Ephesians with a command to the people, he says, “Get
rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every
form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you”. (Ephesians 4:31-32) In this we are
reminded of this important promise of the Christian faith, that to be born
again in Christ does not mean to become immediately perfect but to have the
opportunity of salvation in him. In this we are given the opportunity to dwell
alongside others and together to cast of our old selves and become what we are
made to be. In this we are not called to rashness but to compassion, not to
bitterness but to forgives, and not to wrath but to the divine forgiveness
through Christ and his life-giving Cross. There can be no greater glory than
this, so it is certainly worth taking time to reflect upon before any action.
