How to combat the logic of anger.
We’ve all had a run in with anger. We carry the scars from each infraction, often responding to the personal injustice with harsh words at a high volume, slander, annoyance or avoidance of the person and the problem.
The struggle is real.
But so is the doctrine of grace.
The Logic of Us, Anger and Grace
We are fallen, broken people. Whether we stand behind a pulpit, a computer, a jail cell, or a grocery cart. This is the tension we live in; justified, but not yet sanctified.
All of us have been wounded. All of us have caused wounds.
All of us have been given grace upon grace upon grace.
We are called to reflect grace, even when we are hurt, wounded and angry.
We are called to reflect Christ.
I’d rather not be the logical one. I much prefer to spew my anger upon those whom I deem deserve it with a tone of disrespect or maybe an opinion totally out of place. Let the rage begin. But that is my flesh. I am supposed to kill my flesh. Right?
If we are called to reflect Christ, we must not only understand the dynamics of the world in which we live, but we must also abide in grace, receiving and giving it freely just as Christ gives it to us. It may be natural that we feel anger when wronged, but it’s not necessarily the place from which we should respond. If instead we remember the logic of our world, our sin nature, and the sanctifying Gospel of grace, we can learn to reflect Christ even when wronged.
Live Well
Anger is often a selfish emotion. Feel the tension? We were crossed. Injustice was done to us. Is this response fleshly? Who is this life truly about? How can we, day by day, in the little and large moments, grow in grace?
Reflect Christ.
Lead Well
It’s not just the blatant moments of anger that hurt our witness. It’s the subtle, sneaky moments of irreverence, disgust and annoyance that mar our reflection of Christ. As a leader, the attitude of the office, the ministry, the church, and the family is set by you.
Reflect Christ.
Multiply
Resiliency is a beautiful opportunity to proclaim the Gospel. Some of our most impactful impressions can be made as we keep getting up and going back. Intentional grace is key. Set healthy boundaries, live within the margins, have an exit plan, but take the hit.
Reflect Christ.
A note to spouses of leaders…
Do yourself a favor and learn to reflect Christ by offering grace to those who have hurt you, or worse, the one your soul loves. Embrace the logic of our state. Defense is one thing. Disrespect is another.
Value your reflection of the Savior over the shock and sympathy of your friends.
All of us have been wounded. All of us have caused wounds.
All of us have been given grace upon grace upon grace.
We are called to reflect grace, even when we are hurt, wounded and angry.
We are called to reflect Christ.
….for it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:5b
Elizabeth, her husband, Arthur, and her Siberian Husky Jadis, live in an old farmhouse in Lancaster County. She speaks to women and youth, encouraging believers to jump in the deep end with Jesus. She is writing her first book chronicling God’s goodness and sovereignty through a recent failed adoption. She and her husband continue to advocate for the vulnerable as they pursue growing their family through adoption.