Heart in Bloom

“Anger and pride can be very destructive in our life and in the lives of others:

Anger and pride are something all of us have to fight in our lives and until you get rid of them, nothing you do will please God. It is a part of our human nature. Anger is a very destructive sin and no one is immune from it, from the smallest child to the oldest adult. Parents are very aware of the fierce temper of infants, often babies cry until they’re red with anger, and they want food, water, and maybe just attention. Childhood years are no better, it’s displayed in who gets mad at each other and gets into fights. In teenage years, anger often takes the form of pouting and sulking. Husbands may show their anger at home by slamming doors or saying bad words. While wives might show it by screaming. Here’s what wise solomon had to say about controlling our anger, ‘It is better to have self-control than to conquer a city.’ (Proverb 16:32)

Solomon shows us in scripture that this kind of conduct is just the opposite of strength. It shows a lack of discipline. Another problem with anger is that it can cause us to say and do things we later regret. Friendships can be destroyed in a matter of minutes when we become furious. The Psalmist David gives us some excellent advice in this regard, ‘Stop your anger, turn from your rage’ (Psalms 37:8)

Another drawback of getting angry is that it can cause headaches, inability to sleep, indigestion, and high blood pressure. This is where forgiveness can be a big part of overcoming our anger if we can forgive, just as God forgives us of our wrongdoings. If we get angry easily or stay angry for a long time, we can ask Jesus to heal us and take this anger away.

Jesus can heal our anger in a powerful way so that our lives can be more loving, more peaceful, and more dedicated to the will of God. Solomon writes, ‘The Lord God despises pride. Be assured that the proud will be punished.’ (Proverbs 16:5)

God detests things like rudeness, contempt, snobbery, a feeling of superiority of religious beliefs, racism, our social status, or material possessions. Not only does this kind of pride turn off other people, but it also turns off God. That kind of pride affects our relationship with God. There’s certainly nothing wrong with believing in ourselves and in our talents or capabilities. But when our pride reaches the point that we think we are smarter or better than others, then it is out of hand, and we fall into sin. It can separate us from God very quickly.

When we think we can control all aspects of our life without the help of God, we’re headed the wrong road, and away from God, instead of getting closer to God. God our creator will withhold His blessing from us if we don’t accept our dependence on Him. Listen to the words of our Savior, Jesus Christ, on this very subject, ‘Happy are the people who are kind. The whole earth will belong to them.’ (Matthew 5:5). You’re blessed when you’re content with who you are, no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

‘Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another, forgive as the Lord Father forgave you.’ (Colossians 3:13)

‘Dear God: So far today, I have done all right, I have kept my mouth shut, I have not gossiped, yelled, or lost my temper, and I have not been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent. I am glad about that. But in a few minutes God, I am getting out of bed, from then on. I’m probably going to need a lot of help. Thank you.’”