St. Mina and St. Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church

Conclusion

St. Paul's words to the Ephesians are taken from David's psalms in the Old Testament. David experienced anger like no one else did. "My eye is troubled because of anger"(Psalm 6:7). Also, "the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in darkness, Like those who have long been dead" (Psalm 143:3). This enemy could very well be negative angry reactions leading to a series of other sins including hatred, despair, thirst for blood, to mention some. However, every time he experienced negative feelings, he would immediately realize how futile and detrimental those negative feelings of anger could be to his body, soul and spirit; and so remind himself that there was no other solution except in "the righteousness which is from God by faith" (Philippians 3:9)."Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord" (Psalm 4:5). Therefore, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him. For the help of His countenance" (Psalm 42:5).

Let us put our faith in God and in our savior Jesus Christ through Whom "my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation" (Psalm 35:9). Let us think twice before losing our temper and giving in to Satan to defeat us through anger; for

"The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:20).
"Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:18).

Bishop Youssef
Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States