Devotional For the Week 17 May 2004

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Devotional For the Week 17 May 2004

The Gospel Encounters (1): The Dungeon of the Bitter
References: Luke 15:25-35; 1 Samuel 18:5-11; Ephesians 4:26-27

Most of us do get angry. Anger in itself is not a sin. It is primarily a God-given instinct for survival. When we are threatened or angry, our senses are heightened, and we are able to better defend ourselves. Anger can be a positive, creative force. However, if left unresolved, it can lead to bitterness, hurt, vengeance or even abuse.

Victor Frankl, the famous psychoanalyst, was imprisoned in one of Hitler's concentration camps. Forced into slave labour, he was starved, tortured and stripped of all his dignity. There were many in the camp who did not survive, not because they were gassed to death, but because they chose to die. They gave up living, not being able to cope with the sheer injustice they suffered.

Frankl was different. He decided to do good for those who wronged him. When his Nazi captors tasked him to scrub latrines with a toothbrush, he would do it twice. He did it once because he had to and the second time because he willed to. He turned the situation in which he was humiliated into one in which he willingly served others. By redefining the situation in a positive way, he overcame his hatred and anger towards his oppressors.

How do we overcome anger? There are constructive and healthy ways of handling anger:

Take time to reflect before we react. "...should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?" (Matthew 18:33)

Leave justice to God. God says, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them." (Deuteronomy 32:35)

Imitate Jesus and do good. "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43-44)

- Rev Vincent Goh

Reflections:
Ephesians 4:26-27 says, "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Does anger have a stronghold in my life? What is one step I can take to overcome it today?

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This Week's Devotional \| 2004 Devotionals \| 2005 Devotionals Devotional For the Week 17 May 2004 The Gospel Encounters (1): The Dungeon of the Bitter References: Luke 15:25-35; 1 Samuel 18:5-11; Ephesians 4:26-27 Most of us do get angry. Anger in itself is not a sin. It is primarily a God-given instinct for survival. When we are threatened or angry, our senses are heightened, and we are able to better defend ourselves. Anger can be a positive, creative force. However, if left unresolved, it can lead to bitterness, hurt, vengeance or even abuse. Victor Frankl, the famous psychoanalyst, was imprisoned in one of Hitler's concentration camps. Forced into slave labour, he was starved, tortured and stripped of all his dignity. There were many in the camp who did not survive, not because they were gassed to death, but because they chose to die. They gave up living, not being able to cope with the sheer injustice they suffered. Frankl was different. He decided to do good for those who wronged him. When his Nazi captors tasked him to scrub latrines with a toothbrush, he would do it twice. He did it once because he had to and the second time because he willed to. He turned the situation in which he was humiliated into one in which he willingly served others. By redefining the situation in a positive way, he overcame his hatred and anger towards his oppressors. How do we overcome anger? There are constructive and healthy ways of handling anger: *Take time to reflect before we react.* "...should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?" (Matthew 18:33) *Leave justice to God.* God says, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them." (Deuteronomy 32:35) Imitate Jesus and do good. "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43-44) - Rev Vincent Goh Reflections: Ephesians 4:26-27 says, "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Does anger have a stronghold in my life? What is one step I can take to overcome it today?
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