I thought your article was poignant and thorough. I also have learned about praying for humility and charity for someone to assuage a sense of betrayal. Recently the Lord sent me to the Temple early one morning, all by myself, so I could clean out some smoldering resentment. He let me know that my own righteousness and peace is the issue, not anyone else's stuff. the Temple made the difference. Thanks for a good, thoughtful article.
SusanMay 25, 2013
Excellent article, thank you. Also the above comments. I think it is okay to feel anger, so long as we take note that it is a warning sign, and do all that we can to defuse the situation, as per the instructions in the article. What we must not do is use the anger we feel as an excuse to argue and cause contention. Used wisely, anger can help us to recognise our own short-comings, or what is important to us, and to get things into perspective. We should never, ever take our anger out on others. One way I have found of venting my anger is to go for a walk in a storm (UK storms are nowhere near as violent as some US storms, so you may need to take extra care) and shout at the thunder, wind and rain. Make sure no one else is around, though, or you may find yourself locked up or sectioned!
Bill K.May 25, 2013
In 2 Nephi 2:26 we are told that men are free "to act for themselves and not to be acted upon." Anger is a choice we make. If we make that choice, we will experience the loss of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Re-read your first paragraph under "Anger is a Messenger" and decide which of the reactions listed merits the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Re-read Alma 60: 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 18, and 19 for a list of charges leveled at a leader of the people. That leader had every right to be angry with the author of the letter. But he did not get angry. He chose not to get angry. (See Alma 61:9) How would you react if you were the recipient of such a scathing message?
"Remember that anger is only one letter away from danger."
RuthEMay 22, 2013
Interesting article. I do think the JST of Matt 5:22 should be mentioned because in it, the words "without a cause" are omitted. See jst matt 5:24 and also 3 nephi 12:22. I've learned that for me there is no such thing as justified anger. I try to leave it to those better qualified to handle it. Doesn't mean I don't get angry. Just means I'm trying a different approach. Thanks for all you do to help me think things through.
Kay JonesMay 20, 2013
As a seminary teacher who has just finished teaching the New Testament, it does say to not get angry. It does however say that if there is a disagreement or a hurt feeling to let it be known, and to take care of it, so that anger does not enter the picture.
Sharon B.May 20, 2013
Thank you for the many helpful ideas for dealing with anger. It should however be noted that in the Book of Mormon equivalent to the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior did not add the qualifying phrase,"without a cause." He said simply, "..whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment." (see III Ne. 12:22).
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Louise RichardsonMay 25, 2013
I thought your article was poignant and thorough. I also have learned about praying for humility and charity for someone to assuage a sense of betrayal. Recently the Lord sent me to the Temple early one morning, all by myself, so I could clean out some smoldering resentment. He let me know that my own righteousness and peace is the issue, not anyone else's stuff. the Temple made the difference. Thanks for a good, thoughtful article.
SusanMay 25, 2013
Excellent article, thank you. Also the above comments. I think it is okay to feel anger, so long as we take note that it is a warning sign, and do all that we can to defuse the situation, as per the instructions in the article. What we must not do is use the anger we feel as an excuse to argue and cause contention. Used wisely, anger can help us to recognise our own short-comings, or what is important to us, and to get things into perspective. We should never, ever take our anger out on others. One way I have found of venting my anger is to go for a walk in a storm (UK storms are nowhere near as violent as some US storms, so you may need to take extra care) and shout at the thunder, wind and rain. Make sure no one else is around, though, or you may find yourself locked up or sectioned!
Bill K.May 25, 2013
In 2 Nephi 2:26 we are told that men are free "to act for themselves and not to be acted upon." Anger is a choice we make. If we make that choice, we will experience the loss of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Re-read your first paragraph under "Anger is a Messenger" and decide which of the reactions listed merits the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Re-read Alma 60: 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 18, and 19 for a list of charges leveled at a leader of the people. That leader had every right to be angry with the author of the letter. But he did not get angry. He chose not to get angry. (See Alma 61:9) How would you react if you were the recipient of such a scathing message? "Remember that anger is only one letter away from danger."
RuthEMay 22, 2013
Interesting article. I do think the JST of Matt 5:22 should be mentioned because in it, the words "without a cause" are omitted. See jst matt 5:24 and also 3 nephi 12:22. I've learned that for me there is no such thing as justified anger. I try to leave it to those better qualified to handle it. Doesn't mean I don't get angry. Just means I'm trying a different approach. Thanks for all you do to help me think things through.
Kay JonesMay 20, 2013
As a seminary teacher who has just finished teaching the New Testament, it does say to not get angry. It does however say that if there is a disagreement or a hurt feeling to let it be known, and to take care of it, so that anger does not enter the picture.
Sharon B.May 20, 2013
Thank you for the many helpful ideas for dealing with anger. It should however be noted that in the Book of Mormon equivalent to the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior did not add the qualifying phrase,"without a cause." He said simply, "..whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment." (see III Ne. 12:22).
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