Since the 20th century one of the most deadly has been HIV/AIDS, a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. Since AIDS was first recognized in 1981, it has led to the deaths of more than 25 million people, making it one of the most destructive diseases in recorded history. The H1N1 virus is a flu virus strain that is causing illnesses in humans worldwide. In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared a worldwide flu pandemic. Pandemics spread quickly by human-to-human transmission contact.

Humankind has faced a number of pandemics throughout the ages: bubonic plague, cholera, tuberculosis, malaria influenza and HIV/AIDS.

As devastating as those have been, in recent months we have seen the onslaught of a disease more deadly, more destructive than any of its predecessors. It reaches beyond borders and impacts all nationalities, ethnicities, religions, cultures and socio-economic levels.

That disease is anger.  Examples of it are everywhere and it is manifested in a myriad of ways; road rage, domestic violence, student demonstrations, police brutality, labor union protests, political outrage, even genocide. Like other pandemics it spreads quickly by human-to-human transmission.

Anger is a human emotion. Its physical effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of adrenaline. It has been described as part of the “fight or flight” brain response to the perceived threat of harm or danger.

Anger can be used constructively at times. It can give us energy we need to fight back if physically attacked. However, if anger prompts aggressive behavior toward other people, it can do permanent damage to relationships–especially with those we love. Prolonged or frequent resentment (mild anger) has been shown to be a significant cause of cardiovascular problems and heart attacks.

Anger is a valid response to a situation or set of circumstances. Even God expressed anger at disobedience, idolatry and injustice. Jesus expressed righteous indignation on more than on occasion. When directed properly it can be used to effect much-needed change.

It is when anger gets out of hand that it can become deadly. Uncontrolled anger is most destructive. Some people are so full of rage that it harms them physically. Others even turn the anger upon themselves in the ultimate act of self-destruction, suicide.

Although anger is necessary and even justified at times it is dangerous to live in a perpetual state of anger; to make it a lifestyle.

The Bible addresses anger frequently with quotes like, “Be angry and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26). Or as Solomon wrote “Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head,” (Ecclesiastes 7:9).

As one sage wrote “Anyone who angers you conquers you.”

Is there plenty to be angry about these days? You betcha! You can raise your blood pressure several points just by reading the newspaper or watching a TV news program. There is injustice, lawlessness and corruption all over the globe. Although we cannot always change the circumstances, we can control our responses to them. We can also control our associations. Like other pandemics, anger is spread through contact. We cannot afford to be contaminated by those who live the lifestyle of the infuriated and resentful.

It is a matter of choice. Each of us must decide how we will manage our anger and develop a plan. We devise plans to manage our educational goals, career path, finances and even retirement. Do you have an anger management plan?