Wrath

Yes, wrath. Wrath is considered one of the seven deadly sins. I'm sure we all know these. If not, I'm going to write a blog for each one, and there will be a comments section if there is any debate. I enjoy learning new things, so let's DO THIS! According to Merriam-Webster, wrath is "strong vengeful anger or indignation" and "retributory punishment for an offense or a crime: divine chastisement." Interesting, is it not? The Bible discusses God's wrath quite a bit, which falls in the second definition, but when we, as humans, feel and express wrath, it's considered a "deadly sin." Britannica says, "Wrath, in Roman Catholic theology, is one of the seven deadly sins. Wrath is defined as a strong feeling of hatred or resentment with a desire for vengeance." It becomes a "deadly sin" because, it goes on to mention, it can cause more "sins" to be enacted. God's wrath is "divine" because it's connected to "righteousness and justice." So, if we look at this, our justice system has the death penalty; would this not be vengeance? People say it's the consequences of one's actions, which is understandable; however, is that not God's place? I'm not saying I disagree, nor do I agree with any type of institution that suggests it knows more than everyone else. I stay neutral because sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and that's when all hell breaks loose. I'm just pointing out the hypocrisies that happen all the time. Wrath, it says, has a polar opposite, which is patience. So with this, if we are dualistic, do we not contain wrath and patience? Does that mean one should practice more than the other? No. A balance must be created. Can patience and wrath work hand in hand? Absolutely. Is God not eternally patient? Does God not exhibit wrath? Are we not meant to be these things?

Story time, kids! Here's a fictionalized situation to explain what I'm discussing.

Let's say you fall in love. (Are you kidding me?) Pretend it is the most exhilarating experience you've ever had. You are so free, and you allow so many things you should've given to those who actually loved you for who you are. You think this person loves you, they said it, right? They make you feel wanted and desired after developing a low opinion of yourself, because you wrecked your life. The issue is, you're over looking the crappy aspects of this person, a criticism here, another there, things that shouldn't be criticized. Blamed for why they feel like shit, accused of things you had no idea you were doing. Constant apologies because maybe you are incredibly ignorant. Every small jab grows and grows and grows. Yet, you believe it's going to be okay, they're going to get it, they'll desire to change. This never happens, and you give and give and give, and they take and take and take, constantly criticizing everything. Saying you're stupid for going over the top for them to express the love you feel for them...you give everything you have. Still, you are never going to be able to get them to love you back. You're patient; this is a very drawn-out example of patience. AND NOW...

They cheat (I'm aware I use this a lot, but everyone always has a visceral reaction to this, so I'll take it.) You feel something is off, and they start treating you even more disgustingly. Your heart slowly breaks, but you hang on in desperate hope that they'll see you. The last straw that breaks a camel's back (yes, an overused cliche, which is why it means something.) They tell you that you drove them to seek love and affection from another. It's your fault. Yeah, do you feel it yet? The rage boiling up inside of you, the venom seeping from your teeth. You want to KILL THIS BASTARD/HUSSY! Wrath. You want them to hurt just as deeply, if not worse than they hurt you. You want the satisfaction of the immediate burst of absolute wrath to be exacted right fucking now! Yeah, you feel it...............*plays hold music while you download this feeling.*

What do you do now? Be patient as though you're a saint, or recognize you have two choices: slap the hell out of them or walk away. Ehhh...this one is hard. Of course, we have man-made laws that say, "Don't do that," but why? Is your wrath justified after the torment you experienced for years, and then this? What does it create in you? Maybe they need to learn a tough lesson?

Now to my point. Wrath, if used improperly, can be "sinful." Wrath, if used as God does, there's a huge question for you: is that okay? I think wrath used to exact true justice is acceptable. It doesn't have to be life-altering, like they have to blow in a tube to cruise around in a wheelchair for the rest of their life. But it sort of looks like defending your values, morals, being, generosity, heart...yourself. How patient do you think we should be with the wrong people? Sure, they say get them away, and it's understandable. However, what if you love to the extreme of the unconditional sort? This is when shit gets interesting. Have patience and use wrath when needed. Make sure it's a means to protect truth, love, and integrity. Make sure the reason is honorable and authentically justified. These things exist because we are dualistic, so the question then becomes, what are your intentions?