Anger is criminal in its expression, when it impels to extravagant, insulting, false words, or violent acts.
3. Let us now return to the consideration of the four qualities of Anger that justify or condemn it.
(a) It is sinful if it be unjust, and lawful if just. We must, therefore, be very careful not to allow our eyes to be blinded by passion so as to judge wrongfully. We are very liable to mistake, and may suppose a thing is done against us intentionally, when it has been done accidentally. We must, therefore, not be impulsive in our Anger.
(b) It is sinful when excessive. We must not give way to the feeling of Anger, so as to allow it to grow out of indignation at the sense of wrong done into a hot personal passion that, like a whirlwind, will sweep us away with it.
(c) It is sinful when vengeful. God says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” We must seek only the redress of the wrong, not the injury of the wrong doer. We must seek his good, not his hurt, in the exercise of punishment. That makes all the difference between retribution and revenge.
(d) It is sinful when lasting. “Let not the sun go down on your wrath,” is S. Paul’s rule. If we bear anger and malice in the heart, the longer we harbour it the more unreasonable it grows. Anger must be soon over, ready to die out at once when the opportunity presents itself for forgiveness.
Monday in Holy Week.
SLOTH.