I read an eye-opening story in a recent devotion from Our Daily Bread (December 12). Here is how it goes:
Beethoven was angry. He’d intended to name his Third Symphony “The Bonaparte.” In an age of religious and political tyranny, he saw Napoleon as a hero of the people and champion of freedom. But when the French general declared himself emperor, the celebrated composer changed his mind. Denouncing his former hero as a rascal and tyrant, he rubbed so hard to erase Bonaparte’s name that he left a hole in the original score.
Anger is a cancer. It often leads to hatred. I recently spoke with someone who has someone close to them whose life is consumed by hatred for one person. Having a hole in a musical score is one thing; having a hole in the heart is another.
The only way to take care of the hole in the score is to throw it away. The only way to take care of the hole in the heart is to give that hole, give that anger, to the Father. Holding onto a grudge is a killer-a killer of the spirit. Jesus said forgiveness is the way to go, to forgive as we have been forgiven.
“Father, help me to not hold on to hurts or things of the past. Help me to forgive.”
Amen.
And I’ll amen your amen. 🙂
This story here is also a great reminder that we should never elevate another human being to a god-like status, for none are worthy.
And hanging on to anger is a cancer, Bill. May we not hold onto hurts and grudges.
Blessings!
That’s a good point Martha. Thanks for adding that. Agreed on the anger issue.
I personally think there is a time for anger and anger itself I don’t think bid bad. I see anger as an emotion that God has given us. Being controlled by anger is a different matter. Making rash decisions because of anger is dangerous. Not letting go of anger results in unforgiveness which I believe is the real cancer.
I, too, believe that there is a righteous anger. Jesus Himself showed us that. So I do agree with you. The unforgiveness which comes from holding onto anger is a real cancer.