Tag: anger

Violence

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Christian Spirituality BlogLeave a comment

man-yelling

Those who have worked with abused spouses and with domestic disturbances know that long before the physical battering ever occurs there exists a history of verbal abuse.  Verbal violence always precedes physical violence.  Whether it is domestic violence, the stereotypical bar fight, wars between nations, or mass murder, it all begins with words.  This is not an original thought on my part.  Jesus got to the heart of violence in his Sermon on the Mount.

“You have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago, ‘Don’t murder, and all who murder will be in danger of judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment.  If they say to their brother or sister, ‘You idiot,’ they will be in danger of being condemned by the governing council.  And if they say, ‘You fool,’ they will be in danger of fiery hell.” (Matthew 5:21-22)

This kind of language might seem somewhat over-the-top from Jesus.  After all, it could be argued, this is just a bit of name calling; I have a right to be angry and let those #*%!’s know about it!  But here’s the deal:  Whenever we resort to altering a person’s identity by not calling him/her by their actual name, then we make a significant change in how we view them.  By using words like “moron” and “airhead” (the literal meanings of the words condemned by Jesus) then people become monsters and something other than people.  Like the conquistadores justifying genocide toward “savages” we go after our gold agenda by whatever means necessary.  We can’t justify the murder of people, but we sure can wipe out idiots and fools and those who are not civilized and enlightened like we are.  There is no conscience if there are no people involved.  Murder results from objectifying others, which begins with the hate speech of name calling.  Actual physical homicide is committed after first verbally decapitating others, whether to their face, or not.

Now as soon as I say this it ought to become clear that the current use of words by many people surrounding the mass shooting in Las Vegas needs to change.  I have seen the “f” word thrown around more than ever, with less than kind responses between differing views of gun control.  Whenever we resort to name calling we actually become complicit in murder.  It is far too easy to get sucked into the wide vortex of using violent words toward others, not realizing that it is a one way road to murder, to hell.  The narrow path, instead, involves something different.

Jesus doesn’t just identify where murder begins, he also gives the solution as to what to do about it:

“Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go.  First make things right with your brother or sister and then come back and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23)

Atrocities begin with words, and end in carnage.  The feeling of moral and religious superiority over others only exacerbates the situation.  Before it gets to the point of physical violence, we can stop the progression through sincere reconciliation.  That takes a willingness to engage in civil discussion, real dialogue, and genuine listening.  If we do not create avenues to authentic relationship that eschews name calling and hardened opinions of others, we are no better than the people we vilify.

So, how will you use your words today?  Do you have the humility to admit when your speech is hateful?  What will you do to forge bonds of connection?

Grace and Anger

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Exploring Church Ministry BlogLeave a comment
 
 
            I once dealt with a woman who was so upset with her husband that she was literally shaking with anger.  There had been a time when her husband had been abusive, but he came to know Christ and became a loving person.  What was so upsetting to this woman is that God saved her husband instead of punishing him for all the abuse he had dished out.  She wanted some divine payback!  She was actually furious about God showing grace and compassion.
 
            This is not a novel or new experience.  In the ancient world, the Assyrians were notorious for their brutality toward conquered peoples.  They thought up forms of torture as a creative past-time. It was a violent culture full of inhumane practices and soldiers who were the scourge of the Middle East.
 
            We know from the little Old Testament book of Jonah that the ways of the Assyrians caught the notice of God, who was ready to pronounce judgment on the heart of the Assyrian Empire, Nineveh.  So, as God typically did in the Old Testament, he tells one of his prophets to go and give a message.  And the message was simple:  “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me” (Jonah 1:2). 
 
            For whatever reasons, when Jonah did not immediately obey God, God stuck with him.  God did not call another prophet to take his place, but insisted that Jonah be the one to preach.  If God calls us to something and we neglect to do it, we cannot simply think that someone else will do it.  Sometimes God insists that we do it, not someone else.
 
            Jonah eventually does go to Nineveh (after the infamous being in the belly of a great fish for three days and nights) and there is a great repentance of sin.  The entire city turns from their evil ways.  God saw this mass repentance and relented from sending disaster.  Instead of destroying the city with all its inhabitants and animals, he was gracious and compassionate, abounding in love.  If there is a response God delights in more than anything it is humility and the courage to admit personal evil and turn from it.
 
            But Jonah has a problem with what is going on.  He is not just a little ticked-off; he is greatly displeased.  He is angry enough about this whole affair to want to die.  Jonah was actually annoyed and angry by God’s goodness.  He wanted justice and judgment, not grace!  The grace of God is so massive that it even extends to some of the most evil people in history, and Jonah wanted no part of that theology.
 
            God asked Jonah twice:  “Do you have a right to be angry?”  It is the same question that God is asking his people today.  Jonah wanted destruction and pay-back for all the sin of the Assyrians.  But God searches our hearts and to expose our expectations.  Often, when those expectations do not happen we are disappointed.  But more than that, when the very opposite happens of what we want and expect, we can become very angry and upset.
 
            A lot of people are angry about radical Muslim groups killing and torturing Christians.  It is evil and it is upsetting.  In fact, many of the killings have taken place in the same geographical area as the ancient city of Nineveh.  Yet, perhaps God is asking us Western Christians who are looking for judgment the same question the little book of Jonah ends on:  “But there are 1.6 billion Muslims in the world; should I not be concerned about that great number?”
 

 

            God wanted Jonah to share the same heart he has, and God desires to see us have a heart that beats for lost people to know Jesus – a heart that has grace and compassion even in the face of flat-out evil.  Sometimes God calls us to do what we least want to do in order to reveal what is really in our heart.  Hating people to the point of wanting nothing but destruction upon them does nothing to bring about the righteous life that God desires.  But the blood of Jesus Christ has the power to bring healing and hope, even to the worst of sinners.  Thank you, Jesus, may it be so.