The Heart of the Matter

"The more anger towards the past you carry in your heart, the less capable you are of loving in the present."
- Barbara De Angelis

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Anger breeds Anger.  Love breeds love.  Whatever your heart feels it will seek to satisfy.  When your heart if full of anger, jealousy and vengefulness, unfortunately, you'll engage in behaviors that satisfy the heart.  An angry heart consumes energy: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.  Whereas an angry heart consumes energy, a loving heart amasses energy. 

The emotion of anger has a purpose in our lives.  It should serve us to work harder, to alert us that something is wrong, and/or to spur us into action to defend ourselves, another person, or a social injustice.  However, carrying anger in our hearts serves no worthwhile purpose and is damaging to the soul.  An angry heart is fostered from not letting go; an unwillingness to forgive.  

If you possess an angry heart you may feel justified.  It’s likely someone did you wrong.  You need to understand that an angry heart does absolutely nothing to the person that you are angry with.  The person you are angry with will go about doing his/her business irrespective of the anger carried in your heart.  For you, possessing an angry heart robs you of the joy that a loving heart brings.   Since it is impossible to experience anger and love at the exact same moment, an angry heart will dominate your thoughts and your thoughts will become actions.  Being angry, jealous, and vengeful is no way to go through life.  The anger you harbor in your heart is negative energy and it will eventually take its toll on you.

For those with an angry heart, take heed of Jesus' words to Peter concerning forgiveness.  Jesus told Peter we must forgive our brother "seventy times seven."   Why, “seventy time seven?”  Seems to me, the Great Teacher is providing us some insight into the immense value in forgiveness.  Today, look to forgive one with whom you have an angry heart.    For when you do, you'll understand that it is forgiveness that truly sets you free.

Angry heart or loving heart – the choice yours!

It’s your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!

MJD