Healthy Anger, September 2
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath (Ephesians 4:26 NKJV).
Did you know Jesus got angry? On one occasion He entered the temple, saw the holy site being used as a flea market, and became livid, overturning the merchants’ tables and driving them out into the streets. He was upset that religious authorities were allowing a place of prayer to be used for personal monetary gain. He was outraged! If Jesus got angry, why do so many of us consider anger a sin? Our scripture for today says, “Be angry, and do not sin.” It can be confusing.
It may be that along with a cancer diagnosis, you find yourself feeling more anger and frustration. You may become angry and impatient when lab or test results are delayed. You may feel angry with healthcare providers that are emotionally distant or seem unsympathetic. It can be irritating, frustrating, and exhausting when therapy schedules interfere with your family life, your social life, and your work life. Cancer is not only inconvenient, but life-altering!
Anger is a normal human emotion that Jesus, His disciples, and all of us have experienced. The question becomes, when does anger fall into sin? One way to not let anger fall into sin is to simply ask God to give discernment and wisdom about how to express it. Proverbs 19:11 (NKJV) says, “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.” An old adage tells us to count to ten before expressing our anger. The point is to not let anger control us. With God’s direction and empowerment, we can manage our angry feelings and express them lovingly and responsibly.
God’s goal for us is to build relationships rather than tear them down, even as we cope with cancer. Outbursts of anger can damage relationships. But, under the influence and direction of God’s Spirit, we can be relationship builders, whether it is in a marriage, a friendship, or with a healthcare provider. We know none of us are perfect. We all let anger get the best of us at times. God is willing and able to forgive us, help us to see the impact of our anger, and steer us to a better path.
May God give us the strength to overlook a transgression. May God’s wisdom enable us to wait for the appropriate time and manner in which to express feelings of anger. May our goal always be to build relationships for the glory of God.
Prayer: Lord, may we rely upon You to help us express our anger in ways that draw people closer to You. May You give us patience to call upon You for strength when we feel like lashing out at someone. May You give us the ability to look past the faults of our neighbors and offer love where there may be pain. Amen.
Your Turn:
Ask God to let your anger remind you to look to Him for strength and help when you are tempted to lash out at someone.
Visually place your anger at the foot of the cross and ask God for direction and help to express it lovingly and constructively.
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
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