Anger is an innate characteristic of the mind. Without using anger, that is without becoming enraged at all the evil thoughts the devil sows
within us, man cannot attain purity.
(St. Isaiah the Solitary)
Anger has been implanted within us by God to aid in our salvation: so we can become angry with sin, not infuriated with our fellow man…
Anger is used according to nature only when we direct it against sinful thoughts. This is what the prophet teaches: "Become angry, and do not sin" (Ps. 4:5). That is, become angry with your passions and evil thoughts, and do not sin by carrying out what they suggest to you. This is
what he means in following also: "For what ye say within your hearts, feel compunction upon your beds" (Ps. 4:5). That is, when evil thoughts appear
in your heart, first banish them with resentment, and then when your soul is at peace (as if resting peacefully on a bed) repent with compunction. (St.
John Cassian)
Sensible anger was implanted by God the Creator within human nature to be used as a weapon of righteousness. If Eve had taken hold of this weapon and used it against the serpent, she would not have been overcome by the sinful pleasure. (St. Diadochos of Photiki)
We must utilize our anger only against the demons, who attack us with thoughts and who have hatred for us. (St. Philotheos of Sinai)
We should wage the invisible warfare using the following systematic strategy: First, we should guard our mind. Second, once we realize that an
opposing evil thought has emerged in our heart, we must strike it angrily with words of condemnation. Third, we should immediately pray, calling upon the name of Jesus Christ to annihilate the imaginary, demonic picture.
(St. Hesychios the Priest)
When anger is aroused and directed by sound reason, as needed and as necessary, it gives rise to courage, patience, and temperance.
Prudent people incite anger against evil, injustice, deceit, falsehood, treachery, and against them who work iniquity. Virtuous people evoke and use anger to resist sin, and to keep watch so that sin does not imperceptibly attack and conquer the soul.
(St. Nektarios of Pentapolis)
