» Why are you so angry?’ the Lord asked Cain. Why do you look so dejected?’ » (Genesis 4:6, NLT).
One of the best questions to reflect on anger comes straight from God’s mouth. Jonah had preached in Nineveh, the Assyrian capital. When the whole city repented, the prophet was furious. God’s mercy and compassion toward the Assyrians—Israel’s ruthless enemies—were more than Jonah could take. Enraged, the prophet said he would rather die than for his prophetic words not to come true. Then, God told him: «Is it right for you to be angry about this?» (Jonah 4:4, NLT). What a brilliant question!
Acts of injustice make us mad, and that is good! Anger calls us to action. It leads us to fight for the oppressed and defend the orphans and widows (Isaiah 1:17). However, the things we perceive as injustices will also make us mad. Since our view is so limited, it is absolutely necessary for us to reflect. When feeling angry, let us ask God: «Is it right for me to be angry about this?» Let us ask mature friends for advice: «Is it my hurt pride that is causing my anger, even in part? Could you tell me which points of view I have not considered?»
Cain got very mad when God did not accept his offering, which was the fruit he had grown on the land. What did God do about it? He invited him to reflect on his anger: «Why are you so angry?» (Genesis 4:6, NLT). Cain and Jonah thought they were victims of a great injustice, but that was not true. By inviting them to look beneath the surface of the iceberg of their anger, God gave them an effective tool to solve their anger. Imagine how different the story would have been if Cain had accepted the challenge! If he had humbled himself, God would have helped him overcome his envy and pride. Likewise, God wants to help you and me today.
Why are you so angry? Is it right for you to be angry about it? Think about it with God’s help.
Dear Father, help me to humbly reflect on my anger.
What I often perceive as injustices are actually not.
My view is limited and my pride blinds me. I need Your help so much!
Fill me with Your Spirit, teach me to manage my anger in such a way that I may be more like Jesus. Amen.
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Take From: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2022
«NO FEARS»
BY: VANEZA PISSUTO
Collaborators: Alexandra Pérez & Angelica Cuate.
