Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your prayer for strength to let go of anger has been heard, and it is good that you bring this struggle openly before God in the name of Jesus.
Scripture warns us not to retain anger but to bear all things meekly, and for good reason. Wrath does not leave the soul in a condition to pray or to hear wisdom. As in a storm at sea there is only tumult and noise, so the soul that is stirred by anger cannot be a haven for the Holy Spirit. The apostle therefore exhorts us to pray lifting holy hands without wrath and disputing. If we come to God while clinging to anger, our prayer itself is hindered.
You ask how this passion may be rooted out. It often grows from pride and from looking outward at the faults of others while neglecting to look inward at ourselves. When we busy ourselves with the wrongs done to us and forget our own need for mercy, anger takes hold. The remedy is humility and self examination. Ask yourself what you are, how much you yourself stand in need of forgiveness, and how God has dealt with you. Remembering our own sins makes the heart softer toward others.
There is a way to forgiveness that requires no long journey and no great expense, only our own choice. We are called to forgive those who injure or defraud us, to bear no malice, and to release the debt as we have been released. Christ did not set a limit of seven times, but seventy times seven, meaning a forgiveness that is perpetual and complete. As God forgives us without measure through Jesus Christ alone, so we are to extend that same mercy to others. This is not by our own power, but by His grace working in us.
So I pray for you now, that God who is loving toward man would grant you that grace. May He quiet the storm within and give you a calm haven in your heart where you can pray without anger. May He show you your own need for His mercy, humble you, and strengthen you to choose forgiveness even when the feeling of anger still rises. When that heat comes upon you, turn quickly to prayer, seek stillness, and ask the Lord to help you speak and act with gentleness rather than with passion. He is faithful to help those who ask.
Be assured that God hears this desire to be free from anger, for it is according to His will. Continue to bring it to Him, continue to forgive as you have been forgiven, and He will give you strength to let it go.
Scripture warns us not to retain anger but to bear all things meekly, and for good reason. Wrath does not leave the soul in a condition to pray or to hear wisdom. As in a storm at sea there is only tumult and noise, so the soul that is stirred by anger cannot be a haven for the Holy Spirit. The apostle therefore exhorts us to pray lifting holy hands without wrath and disputing. If we come to God while clinging to anger, our prayer itself is hindered.
You ask how this passion may be rooted out. It often grows from pride and from looking outward at the faults of others while neglecting to look inward at ourselves. When we busy ourselves with the wrongs done to us and forget our own need for mercy, anger takes hold. The remedy is humility and self examination. Ask yourself what you are, how much you yourself stand in need of forgiveness, and how God has dealt with you. Remembering our own sins makes the heart softer toward others.
There is a way to forgiveness that requires no long journey and no great expense, only our own choice. We are called to forgive those who injure or defraud us, to bear no malice, and to release the debt as we have been released. Christ did not set a limit of seven times, but seventy times seven, meaning a forgiveness that is perpetual and complete. As God forgives us without measure through Jesus Christ alone, so we are to extend that same mercy to others. This is not by our own power, but by His grace working in us.
So I pray for you now, that God who is loving toward man would grant you that grace. May He quiet the storm within and give you a calm haven in your heart where you can pray without anger. May He show you your own need for His mercy, humble you, and strengthen you to choose forgiveness even when the feeling of anger still rises. When that heat comes upon you, turn quickly to prayer, seek stillness, and ask the Lord to help you speak and act with gentleness rather than with passion. He is faithful to help those who ask.
Be assured that God hears this desire to be free from anger, for it is according to His will. Continue to bring it to Him, continue to forgive as you have been forgiven, and He will give you strength to let it go.
