The Price of Right

The “seven deadly sins” wreak havoc in our lives. Take anger for instance. It’s on the list for good reason. Rage can consume the soul and make it impossible to truly love anyone. How can we focus on loving while the acid of rage and bitterness eats away at us?

When pressure of internal torment intensifies, it takes little irritation to ignite the emotional fuse of irrational fury, but the consequences of anger are far more grievous that its causes. Anger is a double edged sword that effects the perpetrator as well as the recipient. It festers in the soul, destroys relationships and strikes down everyone in its path. Be it physical, emotional or verbal, the collateral damage can be devastating.

Physical injury is obvious – abuse appalls us, but emotional abuse imprisons its victims in silent bondage. They are the walking wounded, who forge through life often unaware of why they struggle. It’s hard to fix something when your don’t understand it is broken.

Words hold a power over those they touch. If they are uttered in anger they can be a formidable weapon and, once spoken, the venom can never be rescinded. Words can cause irreparable damage. Vivid examples of verbal abuse are displayed in the news as we read of children tormented by bullies and the tragic consequences of the barrage. Children can be cruel never realizing the damage they inflict on others and as adults, it is our responsibility to help them understand and break destructive cycles.

As I see it, anger has never benefited anyone. No matter where fury is aimed, its target is damaged. Once rooted, the effects of rage can control our destiny. Like a malignant cancer, it devours love, hope and happiness. Arguments, feuds, battles and wars are born of anger. We can be right, but is it worth the price we pay – love . . . family . . . or friends?

So what do we do? We all feel anger from time to time, it’s human nature, but we can learn to vent it without hurting others, like working out, running or even writing. Physically releasing anger defuses its power.

The “seven deadly sins” are as perilous today as they were in antiquity, but their contrary virtues help us thrive. We can use them to “ward off the demons” and find balance in our lives – humility against pride, kindness against envy, self-restraint against gluttony, morality against lust, generosity against greed, diligence against laziness, and patience against anger. If we value the virtues, defuse destructive emotions and teach our children well, perhaps we can help shape a more nurturing world.

Enjoy today’s video and remember, it’s just emotion.

Casi