January 8,1998
Dear Br. Jack:
This morning, I just finished reading “Helter Skelter,” by Vincent Bugliosi, a chronicle of the Charles Manson murders in early 1970. Mansion and members of his cult family were prosecuted and convicted of murdering seven people in a particularly gruesome manner. During the trial, they showed no remorse or human compassion for the crimes. Each of the five defendants, two men and three women, were filled with anger and hate that Mansion used for his own evil purposes. This narrative serves to remind me that, according to the Bible, we are all capable of murder, if the circumstances are auspicious for, beneath the surface, we are all filled with anger, hatred, and revenge. If it weren’t for the grace of God, we could be on trial for similar atrocities.
Uncontrolled anger is a type of intoxication. When we give way
to anger or hatred, our reason is overcome, our minds are clouded,
we cannot think correct thoughts or make wise choices or consider
possible alternatives, at such times we are as drunk as the alcoholic
whom we despise. Anger is always a choice and being a choice we
may, at will, choose to either remain silent, when provoked, or
speak only kind, affectionate words in response.
Anger, hatred, and revenge are regarded by God as a type of swearing.
He also regards anger and hatred as murder and so these emotions
are registered in heaven against our account. Anger is but the
outward expression of an inward desire. How often have we head
the expression, “I am so angry I could kill him/her. God
regards the thought as the actuality lacking only the opportunity.
Those who give vent to these feelings would do well to examine
their hearts, for they contain thoughts that, if left unchecked,
may indeed lead to murder.
God does not regard the one who looses self-control and gives
way to anger as a Christian. A Christian is Christ-like and Christ
never gave way to ungodly anger. While it is true that He became
angry on several occasions, His anger resulted from the abuse
of holy things. Such is a righteous anger, but few people understand
what is comprehended by this term for they fail of understanding
Christ’s Holy character, and the anger or rage they frequently
experience has nothing, whatsoever, to do with righteousness.
There are many things that, if we allow them, may provoke us to
anger or resentment, but they need not infect our nature or character.
A soft answer often reduces anger or resentment while an accusation
only fuels the anger, as gasoline on a fire. Never rebuke a child
in anger for such angry abuse often hardens his or her heart and
causes bitterness and resentment that manifest themselves in a
callous disregard for authority or wound the sensitive spirit
of the children
Christ is able to restrain the angry outburst or resentment or
revenge if we allow Him full control over our minds. Only those
who make a constant habit of talking with Christ, reading His
word and meditating on His character will receive help when the
angry thought or word presents itself for utterance. The Holy
Spirit will warn or caution us when about to give vent to these
emotions, and if we have learned to listen to His voice and obey
Him, we may be spared a thousand embarrassing situations or broken
relationships. A constant dependance on Christ’s keeping
power will preserve the conscience from defilement while bitter
or angry words, that wound our soul and the souls of those who
hear or witness them, will defile the conscience. Once spoken,
these hasty, passionate words can never be recalled. They may
be repented of, but their effect lingers throughout life and even
into eternity. Better to remain silent, no matter the provocation,
then speak hasty words. It is far better to suffer wrong, to have
one’s actions misconstrued, then to respond with bitter words.
Let Christ look after our reputation or resolve the disputed point
then to retort with hasty words. Better to suffer wrong then to
lament the effect of a moment’s uncontrolled outburst.
If Charles Mansion had headed God’s spirit when a youth,
his miserable after life would have testified for Christ rather
then the devil. Anger is a choice, let us choose wisely the path
that leads to holiness and happiness.
May the Lord bless you, your brother in Christ.
Allen A. Benson