Perception is the key word

“Although the cause of biblical anger is unknown in many cases, the majority of texts do explain the basis for anger. In these cases, nearly every instance bears a point of commonality: anger results from a perceived wrongdoing. Here, the word perceived is crucial. It suggests that one must consider the perspective of the individual who is angry, rather than adopting an exterior perspective. For example, Potiphar becomes angry with Joseph because he perceives that Joseph has done something wrong, even though he is innocent (Gen 39:19).”— From Fratricide to Forgiveness: The Language and Ethics of Anger in Genesis , page 54

<idle musing>
Perception is everything. We need to let the Holy Spirit take us outside ourselves and see the world from a bigger perspective. That, of course, runs totally counter to the materialistic viewpoint that runs rampant in our society this time of the year!
</idle musing>