Several years ago, I went through six months of unabashed anger. We had installed solar panels on our house and in the process, the company installers broke dozens of roof tiles without our knowledge. When the winter rains hit, we became aware.  An overwhelming amount of water consumed our attic space and caused significant damage to our house. In the weeks that followed, the company admitted fault for the damage they caused to our roof but then began a six-month game of false promises and hide-and-seek.  

I was consumed with anger. I spent sleepless nights plotting my revenge. Carefully rehearsing spiteful speeches. Playing out outlandish scenarios where I would physically confront company reps. It was bad, y’all.

At the end of the six months, the company finally wrote us a check for the damages, and we were able to make the necessary repairs. It was one of the most painstaking, infuriating processes that I have been through.  

And through the process, I learned that anger can be incredibly consuming. However seemingly justified, it will steal your joy and grow with an insatiable desire if left unchecked. 

We live in an angry world. There seems so much to be angry about. Over the last decade, many evangelical churches or Christians have even become known more for what they are angry about than for how they love and care for their communities. Social media has become a vehicle for anger, and it seems to attract our attention more than cat videos or travel tips. Algorithms seem to be set up to draw us toward angry and keep our eyeballs glued to what we hate or despise. 

If we are not careful, anger will consume us and keep us from being able to celebrate the redemptive work of God. It feels so much easier to hate than to have grace for others and look for the good in one another. 

Anger consumed the older brother and kept him from the party. His anger felt justified and he refused to go in. His anger robbed him of his ability to celebrate. To find joy in redemption. To reconcile. Alone in his righteous indignation.

Reflection: Where does anger show up in your life? What impact does it have on how you view the world, your family, your faith? Is your anger helping or hindering?