ANGER

While completing the last phase of his painting of The Lord’s Supper, Leonardo da Vinci became annoyed with a certain man. Finally, his annoyance boiled over, and he lost his temper and lashed out at the man with bitter words in an angry rage.

After the man left his presence, he returned to his canvas where he had been painting the face of Christ. Try as he might, he was unable to make any progress on his work.

After struggling for several hours, he put down his brushes, left his studio, hurried to the man’s home and asked his forgiveness. Graciously the man accepted his apology. Leonardo then returned to his studio and was able to finish painting the face of our Lord.

Anger and rage are extremely destructive emotions. They take away our joy and peace and destroy our faith and trust in God. When we lose control of our emotions, it is a sign that we are excluding God from His rightful place in being the judge over others behavior. We attempt to do His work if we try to do what He has reserved for Himself. When this happens, we make matters worse and lose touch with God and the one with whom we are angry.

Whenever we are threatened or treated unfairly, we must turn to God immediately and ask Him to make things right. After all, that is His responsibility – not ours.

Prayer: Lord, it is difficult to remain calm and peaceful when I am tested. I often feel that I am the one to “make things right.” May I give the problem to You instead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm. Psalm 37:1-9