Anger...

Anger is thought to be a negative emotion, often portrayed as a "bad" thing, but I don't think it gets a fair rap in the world of emotions. Anger itself isn't bad, but how we allow ourselves to respond to our anger is where we often fail. There's many instances of anger in the Bible, but as I studied one particular one, the story of Jesus in the Temple (John 2:12-25), I realized that if Jesus gets angry then anger itself isn't wrong.

There are ways to respond to anger. Some people just explode, giving reign to their emotions, and no one is safe from their wrath. Very harmful and detrimental to any possible conflict resolution. Others choose to try and stuff their anger, to bottle it up, but this is just as harmful and the explosive response.

Jesus was upfront with his anger, he confronted the situation openly and positively, not in an explosion of rage or a suppression of his feelings. We too can be angry, but be open with our anger, deal with the situation immediately in a positive and appropriate manner, and anger is not a detriment. Relationally, the key is to be open, to communicate your anger, pain, or frustration, but in a positive manner, so that resolution is quickly possible...

Food for thought...

P.S. OH, and Merry Christmas to All!!!