Melting Snow

Anger, Shame and a Higher Power

Monday, April 24, 2017

"Be in perfect unity. Never become angry with one another. Let your eyes be directed toward the kingdom of truth and not toward the world of creation. Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for themselves. You will never become angry or impatient if you love them for the sake of God. Humanity is not perfect. There are imperfections in every human being, and you will always become unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But if you look toward God, you will love them and be kind to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and complete mercy."

'Abdu’l-Bahá1

The "Blog City ~ Every Blogger's Paradise"  prompt for DAY 1137
Do you think that shame can be a trigger for anger? How?

This scripture was what I needed today. I need to be reminded about the best way to deal with human beings without becoming angry. Anger, which can be generated by fear, jealousy, and a few other emotions, simply makes a situation worse. If you are angry with a person you will do one of two things. Either you will attempt to avoid that person or you will attempt to make that individual's life miserable. Neither of these reactions helps to solve the situation.

I don't think shame contributes to anger with other people. Shame causes people to be angry with themselves more often then with others. At least that's what I've found in my own life. I need to remember that I, like every other human being, is imperfect. When I get angry with myself or anyone else I need to look to God rather then my own weaknesses. This is something I've had difficulty with all my life, age and wisdom has improved my ability to to turn to God.

Footnotes
1  Baha'i Words, April 24, 2017