Vice And VirtueSample

In the previous days of this study, we have seen how Pride progresses to other vices. Through its influence, our inwardly-bent perception of need becomes warped to either Greed or Gluttony. On the other hand, keeping our focus fixed on Christ and His character will help develop the virtues of Charity, Humility, and Temperance. Today the same pattern holds true with the vice and virtue of Wrath versus Patience.

Through Pride, it’s easy to elevate ourselves into the position of judge and jury. In the case of Wrath, uncontrolled anger or rage can easily mutate into the all-consuming desire for vengeance. 

If we elevate ourselves into God’s position, we begin to think that we can pardon or begrudge others according to our own sense of Justice. If a situation makes us angry and we cannot, “easily correct it, tolerate it, or let it go,”¹ Wrath is often a consequence of this unresolved emotional response.

Patience is a virtue associated with Fortitude. In other words, it takes strength of mind to stay patient in the midst of a stressful or painful situation. Forgiveness and mercy are two responses of Patience, but so too is a commitment to work for a resolution with respect and humility. The true practice of Patience often takes a lot of hard work.

In the case of the vice of Wrath, it’s good to remember emotions can be leaders. They lead us toward destruction or discovery. If we follow the trail to what makes us angry, it can actually produce wisdom and depth of character. This wresting helps us learn repentance and how to identify our wrong expectations. Lastly, the pursuit of Patience over Wrath can teach to trust in God to meet our expectations over and above what any person or circumstance might send our way.

For Day Eight, read entire book of Jonah (don’t worry, it’s only four chapters!). Pay special consideration to chapter 4 in light of all that God had done in the three previous chapters. Meditate on God’s Patience with Jonah, and Jonah’s reactionary anger toward Ninevah. What drove God’s Patience? Contrast that with what dove Jonah’s anger. Think about a situation that makes you angry. What similarities can you find in your story to this one and what wisdom can you glean from Jonah’s experience?

¹ Marcia Cannon, The Gift of Anger: Seven Steps to Uncover the Meaning of Anger and Gain Awareness, True Strength, and Peace (Oakland: New Harbinger Publications, 2011), 17.