If you slow down enough to take a look around, suppressed anger lingers deep inside the human heart. The tension within the bullied builds until a spirit of revenge is born. Once this seed is implanted inside of troubled minds, the stage is set for the next school shooting.
During my sophomore year of high school, I was introduced to another form of suppressed anger. A friend from my cross country team began to punch me in the arm every team I saw him in school. This scenario repeated itself for 6 months until I took the time to find out why. Carl, who became my best friend, hit me to express his frustration as he helplessly watched his mother slowly die of cancer.
Today, some of the cruelest people you encounter often possess a secret that motivates their behavior. Just watch the Breakfast Club, paying close attention to John Bender’s character played by Judd Nelson. Whether its a bad family life, negative influences or low self-esteem, each plays a factor in determining which person you will meet. May a clear understanding of Galatians 5:19-22 allow you to discern suppressed anger from those who are simply evil.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 