Anger Management: A Second Look at the Meaning Behind the 5th Commandment

   "Mom, such-and-such sibling is driving me insane! I'm so mad at him right now!"

Everyone who isn't an only child has probably experienced this sort of problem. The younger sibling who won't leave you alone, the older sibling who thinks that your life should revolve around his; it happens. People are bound to make you angry, and you're bound to retaliate. It's human to do so. However, this does not make it right.

   The fifth commandment is stated in Exodus 20:13; "Thou shalt not kill." For many of us, it would seem that this commandment is an easy one to follow. Most people aren't murderers. It's not exactly a challenge to refrain from killing. But is that really the only sin that the 5th commandment asks us to keep from? If we examine the Bible, we see that there is more to this rule.

   As I said before, anger is a human emotion, just as happiness, sadness, and love are. But just because something is in our nature and seemingly unavoidable, again, this does not mean it is okay. So, as we examine the fifth commandment closer we find that anger can be a sin. 

   Anger is a sin? Really? It's just an emotion. Isn't it possible to be angry, yet not do anything wrong?

Well, yes, it is possible. And now we come to the crux of the matter. Everyone gets angry, and sometimes we just feel the need to let off some steam. How we let off that steam determines whether or not we are in the wrong. For example, if your way to let off steam is to yell and use foul language, then you'll need a confession afterwards. But if you instead decide to work the punching bag, obviously, you've done nothing wrong.

"Sometimes, we just feel the need to
let off some steam."

   So, when we are angry, it's important to be aware of how we react in the heat of the moment. God asks us to be respectful, even when emotions are running high. He loves us, and wants to see us respected and loved by those around us. Our Lord knows that in order to receive this respect and love, we need to also be respectful and loving, in spite of our anger and frustration.

    May God continue to lead us, and may the Holy Spirit guide us. May Jesus teach us, and Mary intercede for us. Only through Them, with Their help will we reach Heaven. God has given us Ten Commandments; may we follow them. Godspeed to us all.

~Ian James~