Lesson 56. Love Does Not Get Angry

Who among you has experienced beatings or threats of physical violence? These are not very pleasant experiences. As a result, bruises remain on the body, while scars and open wounds remain in the soul. How much violence takes place in our world every day! How many lives are shattered! God sees all of it, and a book of remembrance concerning the evil deeds of the people living on Earth is being written before Him. And the saddest thing is that both of these evils are presented to people as something normal and natural. They are treated as a way of life from which there is no escape. Every film is expected to contain elements of this sin, and if the main character is kind and attractive, his anger is considered righteous, and the viewer always justifies his behavior. But the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

It is sad to see God’s people drinking the cup of Babylon’s wine and then carrying its moral standards into their own circle of fellowship. People justify every expression of anger by referring to the rebukes that John the Baptist and Jesus directed at the Pharisees. And, of course, in such a case the Pharisees are to blame, while the angry person is establishing justice.

But let us examine what anger is. Anger is the expression of a person’s negative reaction to something that irritates him. It is a combination of negative emotions toward someone or something that contradicts the standards of life and the views of the angry person, or toward something directed against him. Anger may find emotional expression, or it may be suppressed. In the latter case, it turns into resentment, withdrawal, revenge through the hands of others, evil speaking, curses, gossip, and other things. All this is a manifestation of pride that destroys a person’s soul and ruins the happiness, friendship, and heartfelt affection of those who are close to this believer. But love does not vaunt itself.

In some religions, anger is considered one of the deadly sins, and by committing it a person risks losing the hope of salvation.

How do you imagine the face of an angry person? I think it would have furrowed brows and angry eyes. And this is advertised to us as the image of a strong personality. A state of intense emotional agitation is recognized in many countries as a mitigating circumstance when the law is broken. For example, in Germany, if someone strikes you, you may strike back within three seconds and be acquitted, but if more time passes, you will be punished. Yet there is a law of God that defines the behavior of an angry person differently.

Jesus gave a very clear explanation of all anger as a violation of the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.” Matthew 5:21–22: “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Please take into account the fact that the words “without a cause” are not present in the original text or in other translations. This is the definition Jesus gave to anger. Everyone who is angry is a murderer.

And what does anger kill? Anger exerts a mutually destructive influence. It destroys both the person from whom it proceeds and the one upon whom it is poured out. It kills joy, a good disposition, friendship, and trust. It destroys families and deprives them of peace. It takes away health and brings disease. Psychologists teach that anger needs an outlet, and the carnal mind likes such teaching, so an outlet for anger is found. Your neighbor receives what is overflowing from within you. You calm down, but the victim of your anger suffers and withers. It is even worse when anger progresses to violence and physical assault, as a result of which people are injured and maimed, and sometimes lose their lives. What can justify such behavior? It is comparable to a hurricane of stones or hail that passes through and leaves chaos, destruction, and death behind it.

Love does not vaunt itself. It does not defend itself in the manner described above and does not possess such feelings and emotions. Even righteous anger, if it may be called that, has an entirely different nature. The mind of a loving person controls the emotions and does not allow the flesh to persuade the will to permit irritation or anger. This is a manifestation of power from above that enables you to relate to people properly and to have peace and sound judgment in your heart, even when you encounter sudden irritants.

When I remember my life according to the flesh, I feel ashamed of the deeds that anger produced in my past. Profanity, irritation, a thirst for revenge, and physical violence were my friends, helping me solve problems in this way. But I met Jesus and was taught by Him to behave differently. He forgave my sins and showed me how to live without committing sin and where to seek strength when temptation comes. During all the time of our friendship, Jesus has never once called me names or insulted me in a fit of anger. He is a kind and very gentle Friend toward me. When I began asking Him for love, He began teaching me this science, showing me the advantages and power of meekness and humility. Then I noticed that the love of Jesus had produced amazing changes within me. Previously, there were irritants that made my blood boil in my veins, and I had to pour this negativity out of myself, but now there is not even a trace of anything like that. If some injustice or someone’s anger falls upon me, I calmly accept what is happening. In the worst case, I may ask why I am being treated this way, but for the most part, I pray.

Sometimes I am entrusted with a ministry or a responsible assignment. In such a situation, I must maintain order and discipline and deal firmly with those who violate them. Yet I do this without anger, trying whenever possible to explain my actions. At work, it is necessary to be demanding and attentive to quality in order to avoid serious losses, but this too is done without irritation. Love permeates every area of my life and gladdens my heart at all times. It is especially pleasant to gain victories during trials. When the enemy of the soul attacks me with unjust or angry accusations, I do not consult with the flesh, but ask for God’s power to resist sin and walk according to the Spirit. I choose love. Even when I am struck, no desire for revenge arises. Of course, one experiences no particular joy from this, because one understands that the offender is perishing in his sins and does not need my assistance in doing so.

At times, I myself am amazed at how simply and quickly love resolves every conflict and problem while preserving peace and calm in my heart.

Love does not get angry. It has more effective methods in its arsenal than an explosion of emotion.

I am often behind the wheel, and sometimes I notice that many people do not like the way I drive, especially when they are in a hurry or when I am in a hurry. I see them wave their hands and hear their exclamations. But I have learned that when I humbly apologize, even if they are at fault, people calm down and sometimes smile in response. Love and meekness know how to establish order and resolve difficult problems in the best possible way.

How many times have words of apology resolved every conflict instantly. But sometimes situations arise in which people simply hate you and wish you evil and death. In such a case, it is difficult or impossible to reach any agreement with them. But love teaches us not to repay them in the same way, but to avoid sharp confrontations and keep our distance from them. In many families, such situations become unbearably painful, but Jesus teaches wisdom and gives special love when He is asked for it.

What should I do if I see pride within myself? Love will solve this problem as well.

1. Please read James 1:19–21; Psalm 4:4; Ephesians 4:26–27; and Proverbs 15:1, and consider these passages in the light of our lesson.

2. Did you receive any revelations while studying this subject? Please share them.

3. What did you understand from this lesson?

4. Does God become angry? How is this different from human anger?

5. How can I determine whether my anger is evil or righteous?

6. How can I fight anger if it is present within me?