While I was cleaning the living room yesterday, I came across a brochure titled "Pick-Me-Up: Breeding Catholic Thinkers - Anger Management". I find that the content is quite interesting. For those who has problem with controlling their anger, they should read this.
The brochure was from the church, made by those of Lifeline College Students and Young Adults Ministry (As stated at the back of the brochure). The brochure was issue no. 14, date stated was 13th September 2009 (There was a typo on the brochure, 13nd September 2009).
So I'll just write the whole thing here in this blog. It is really good to read.
You are what you do
What claim do you have on yourself? Do you say you're a singer? Or a painter? Or an animal lover? If so, what proof do you have of your claim? Do you sing, paint, or care for the livelihood of animals?
Our hearts are treasure troves full of dreams and aspirations. Each one of us has something he or she believes in and something he or she wants to become - it's a gift from God when He created us. Nonetheless, dreams and aspirations will only remain as pipedreams should we refuse to do anything to achieve it. The same thing goes with following christ in a journey of faith.
In St Paul's letter to James, he notes it plainly that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Jesus warns his diciples, "let those who want to follow me take up their crosses," as a Christian, can we confidently say that we are carrying our crosses as we follow him? Or do you still believe that Christianity is merely accomplished by establishing a routine of attending mass every week?
Many of us aspire to become saints, to live life as good Christians as we are called to. But how far do our deeds match up with this faith that wwe claim we have?
"But someone may say: So you have faith and I have good deeds? Show me faith of yours without deeds, then it is by my deeds that I will show you my faith." - James 2:18
Anger Management
One of the most notorious characters in the Bible that comes to mind when one talks about anger Cain - Adam and Eve's eldest son whom, out of anger and jealousy, killed his brother, Abel, in the field and later lied about it to God.
"But now you also must give up all these things: human anger, hot temper, malice, abusive language and dirty talk," - Colossians 3:8
Is it sinful to be angry? To what extend is it ok to be mad? We know anger, like sadness and hapiness, are natural emotions which are created by God Himmself. Emotions are neutral entities, they only become bad when we fail to control them and in turn, get controlled by them. Most of the time, anger is the result of wounded pride. We want revenge because we don't want to accept that we are wrong.
"Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil" - Ephesians 4:26-27
The Bible doesn't tell us that we shouldn't feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle anger properly. If vented thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and destroy relationship. Bottled up inside, it can cause us to become bitter and destroy us from within.
St Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationship rather than destroy them. A nursed anger will become like an open store - wide open for the devil to poison.
Are you angry with someone right now? What can you do to solve your differences? Don't let the day end before you begin work of mending your relationship.
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