Dealing with Anger (Part 3)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the nature of anger and outlines four progressive stages for managing it spiritually. He begins by explaining how to control actions during anger to avoid sinful responses, drawing on scripture and teachings from St. John Climacus and the Desert Fathers. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of managing not only our external reactions but also our internal thoughts and feelings, encouraging forgiveness and understanding of others' weaknesses. He discusses practical approaches such as maintaining silence during anger, avoiding gossip, and the value of honest communication within relationships. Fr. Matthias then presents the deeper spiritual goal of dispassion—achieving calmness even in adversity—and ultimately seeking humility by embracing suffering for Christ’s sake. Throughout, he emphasizes that true freedom is victory over one’s passions, not external circumstances, and calls for reliance on God’s grace to attain this spiritual growth.