We are living in a
world where the “killer instinct” is
on the rise more than ever, even in educated circles too. Here I am going to
use the example of a wild animal lion in a Zoo. They may look like a cat but
their internal disposition is completely different and unlike a cat, and they
have to be kept in a Zoo behind bars! When you visit them and see them sleeping
peacefully one may not realize the killer instinct in them. But my question
here is would you allow them to roam around?
Now I am going to
extrapolate the above “Zoo” example
to our emotions, and especially to ‘anger.’
Anger is not in itself sinful.
Paul’s distinction between being angry and sinning: “Be angry and sin not.” Anger is a powerful emotion and its power to
motivate must be used, and not abused. This motivating power is used properly
when it drives one to begin rectify any wrong situation between brethren as
quickly as possible. (God is angry with
the wicked); Ps: 7:11. (God was angry with Solomon); 1 Kin: 11:9.
(God was angry with Israel
The only reason
some people have never actually murdered any one physically is because of the “bars” that have been put up with. When
you are living in a society, there is always fear of arrest, shame, penalties
of the law, and the possibility of death for uncontrolled ‘killer instinct.” As a believer very often we fail to realize, that
we are going to be judged by the ‘law of
liberty’ according to James 2:12 “So speak and so do as those who
will be judged by the law of liberty”.
I have mentioned in one of my blogs before,
heart is the center of man’s character – who he really is (Matthew 15:18).
Heart is the seat of physical life,
Acts 14:17; Jas. 5:5; the seat of
moral nature and spiritual life. In general “condemning heart” or “an
accusing conscience” is one that robs us of peace, and God sees and
understand that heart and also given us a provision and a way of escape. Here are three questions one had to ask
themselves when one is angry:
a).What did you do?
b).What did you want to do?
c).What would you have done if you had been at liberty to do as you
pleased?
Now we can understand why Jesus equated hatred with murder Matt
5:21-26; and lust with adultery Mat 5:27-30. Hatred is not definitely murder,
but when left unbridled it leads to murder and the proof of this would be to read
or listen to ‘daily news.’
How to handle anger Biblically and Righteously?
|
Using
God’s way
Anger ---------------------à * Problem (solution oriented)
Anger ------------à Not towards others and self
|
1.
Turn anger toward the problem (P) and
not toward the people.
2.
Be solution oriented rather
than problem oriented.
3.
Redirect anger: Think of
Scriptures like: Prov: 15:1; 26:4-5.
4.
“If you do not want a quarrel
to grow to larger proportions, don’t let it get started in the beginning. Take
immediate action to see that it does not go beyond the first nasty word.”
Learning to deal with anger
constructively is a peace making process which requires great patience,
reflective listening, and knowledge of God’s Word. For Christians self-control
is an important fruit of the Spirit. Anger can be understood as a sign that
something has gone wrong internally and or interpersonally. Word of God
calls us to reckon with truth about ourselves and each other and with God. When
we learn effectively to deal with our own anger or assist someone to express
their confusing feelings in a healthy way, we are helping each other to develop
a growing capacity to accept God’s love for us. This may allow us to respond to
each other with more compassion and sensitivity.
Questions
to our heart!
Think of some of the emotions you have felt
recently or expressed that were stronger than you thought? Are those God
honoring? Do they mask deeper
feelings?
References:
1. Dr. Ed Murphy. The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare. Nashville: Thomas Nelson
Publishers, 1992, 1996, pgs: 432-436.
2. Jay E. Adams. Critical Stages of
Biblical Counseling, Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started. New
Jersey
3. Jay E. Adams. How to Help People Change, The Four-step Biblical Process.Grand
Rapids
4. John F. MacArthur, JR.Wayne Nashville
5. Jay E. Adams. Lectures on Counseling.Grand
Rapids
3. Jay E. Adams. How to Help People Change, The Four-step Biblical Process.
4. John F. MacArthur, JR.
5. Jay E. Adams. Lectures on Counseling.
6. The Holy Bible, New King James
Version, Women of Destiny Bible. Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures,
A Spirit Filled Life Bible. Nashville ,
Tennessee
7. Warren W. Wiersbe. Devotions for
confidence & Integrity, Hebrews & John. Colorado ,
Springs, Colorado
Website
References:
1. John 1 NKJV - The Eternal Word - In the beginning was - Bible Gateway
The Eternal Word. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the
Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3
All things were made through ...
2. 1 John 1 NKJV - What Was Heard, Seen, and Touched - Bible Gateway
What Was Heard, Seen, and Touched. 1 That which was from
the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we
have looked upon, and our ...
3. John 1 New King James Version | The New Bible.com
Bible.com is all new! Enjoy a free online Bible from You Version. Now, the
simple, ad-free Bible experience loved by millions is available at Bible.com.
www.AngerClassOnline.com
Comprehensive & Affordable Course With Certification. Register Online.5. Anger - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anger
Anger is an
emotion related to one's psychological interpretation of having been offended,
wronged, or denied and a tendency to react through retaliation. Sheila ...
6. anger: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com
anger n. A strong
feeling of displeasure or hostility. v. , -gered , -gering , -gers . v.tr. To
make angry; enrage or provoke
7. Controlling Anger -- Before It Controls You
Anger is a normal,
healthy response to a threat and may be used for a constructive purpose. When anger
becomes uncontrollable or is unexpressed, it may lead to ...
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