Anger
As I was watching the news this evening my heart was grieved about a teenager who was so consumed with anger that she tried to stab two other teenagers. Perhaps I should not even write about the incident because it’s not light weight, but this young lady was out of control. Unfortunately, her violent behavior resulted in her untimely death. It seems like our society has become a pressure cooker of anxiety, frustration, uncertainty, unfulfilled dreams, lost direction, and short on answers if they have any answers at all.
Since the beginning of time anger has been ingrained in our society. It is one of the evil fruits of the fall in the Garden. Anger is an emotional reaction caused by a perceived right being violated, such as the injustices in our society. Oftentimes, it is displayed when an obstacle blocks the process of fulfilling our own needs. However, there is a positive and a negative way of handling anger. As Christ- Followers, we should endeavor to never become entangled with the negative pattern of the world.
There are many ways a person will display anger. For example, you may encounter a ‘simmerer’, one who allows the anger to quietly fester as he feels sorry for himself. “A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart, he harbors deceit.” (Prov. 26:24 NIV) The ‘pressure cooker’ individual will deny his anger until he finally explodes in total frustration that no one has recognized his side. Then you have the ‘short fuse’ person who will not listen but will justify everything to himself. “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” (Eccl. 7:9 NIV) Finally, there is the ‘volcano’ person. This is one who constantly spews out abuse and contempt for anyone who disagrees with him. Unfortunately this anger is never resolved, poison is on their lips continually.
Christians are called to march to a different drum beat. Our Heavenly Father has given us guidelines to follow, which is applying the Word of God and displaying the fruit of the Spirit. “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” (Prov. 17:27-28 NIV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:22-25 NIV)
There is a right way to express anger, and that is to stop, pray, and think before you speak. Reflect on your motive; ask the Lord if your intent is to help or to harm. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Eph. 4:15 NIV) “Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Col. 3:12-14 NIV)
Since the beginning of time anger has been ingrained in our society. It is one of the evil fruits of the fall in the Garden. Anger is an emotional reaction caused by a perceived right being violated, such as the injustices in our society. Oftentimes, it is displayed when an obstacle blocks the process of fulfilling our own needs. However, there is a positive and a negative way of handling anger. As Christ- Followers, we should endeavor to never become entangled with the negative pattern of the world.
There are many ways a person will display anger. For example, you may encounter a ‘simmerer’, one who allows the anger to quietly fester as he feels sorry for himself. “A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart, he harbors deceit.” (Prov. 26:24 NIV) The ‘pressure cooker’ individual will deny his anger until he finally explodes in total frustration that no one has recognized his side. Then you have the ‘short fuse’ person who will not listen but will justify everything to himself. “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” (Eccl. 7:9 NIV) Finally, there is the ‘volcano’ person. This is one who constantly spews out abuse and contempt for anyone who disagrees with him. Unfortunately this anger is never resolved, poison is on their lips continually.
Christians are called to march to a different drum beat. Our Heavenly Father has given us guidelines to follow, which is applying the Word of God and displaying the fruit of the Spirit. “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” (Prov. 17:27-28 NIV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:22-25 NIV)
There is a right way to express anger, and that is to stop, pray, and think before you speak. Reflect on your motive; ask the Lord if your intent is to help or to harm. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Eph. 4:15 NIV) “Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Col. 3:12-14 NIV)