Genesis 34:25 Now it came to pass on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males.
Anger is a secondary emotion. A secondary emotion is always fueled by other emotions. An unmet need, unmet expectation or insecurity manifests as ‘anger’. An unresolved anger brewing in our mind will turn into bitterness, rage or wrath. Anger is a strong expression of displeasure. Rage is intimidation as a result of bottled up anger. For example when anger turns into rage it places a gun on the table. Wrath is rage in action! Wrath is taking the gun and shooting the offender. Anger is a natural feeling when we are hurt, misused or abused but rage is resorting to human solutions to fix the pain. Many express their anger on FaceBook, Instagram or Whatsapp status by posting rude reactions to express their emotions.
The sister Dinah of Simon and Levi was violated by the prince of Shechem. But Hamor spoke with them, saying, “The soul of my son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife (vs 8). However, the brothers deceitfully plotted against the city of Shechem and killed all the males in the city. Jacob rebuked his sons for the unjustifiable anger and mass murder. But they said, “Should he treat our sister like a harlot?” (Vs 31). They killed every innocent male in the city along with the offender who was willing to reset the relationship.This is why the Bible says, “In your anger do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26).
Three stages of anger:
1. Anger: Anger is a natural secondary emotion but reacting to anger in rage and wrath is a detestable sin. Find a quiet corner and pour out your feelings to the Lord. Jesus is a good listener and as He listens to us He will also gently comfort and convict us. When we leave the quiet corner we will not be offended with the offender anymore.
2. Rage: Anger that is allowed to brew in our mind will spill out as harsh words, hurtful sassy comments or rude actions. Before anger turns into rage, we must address it. Speak to the offender gently and if that is not possible share with a friend who would give you balanced advice. Don’t look for people who will vouch your anger and fits of rage but will bring conviction and correction.
3. Wrath: Wrath is when plates fly and cups break in the kitchen. Wrath is anger in action! We say things that we should not say and do things that we will regret for the rest of our life if we allow anger to turn into rage and burst out as wrath.
Find a private quiet corner and have a conversation with the Lord when you are angry.
Genesis 34:26 They put Hamor and his son Shechem to the sword and took Dinah from Shechem’s house and left.
Prayer: Father God, may anger never turn into rage or wrath in me. Give me a pliable heart that will respond to hurt and not react in rage. Amen
Genesis 34:25 Now it came to pass on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males.
Anger is a secondary emotion. A secondary emotion is always fueled by other emotions. An unmet need, unmet expectation or insecurity manifests as ‘anger’. An unresolved anger brewing in our mind will turn into bitterness, rage or wrath. Anger is a strong expression of displeasure. Rage is intimidation as a result of bottled up anger. For example when anger turns into rage it places a gun on the table. Wrath is rage in action! Wrath is taking the gun and shooting the offender. Anger is a natural feeling when we are hurt, misused or abused but rage is resorting to human solutions to fix the pain. Many express their anger on FaceBook, Instagram or Whatsapp status by posting rude reactions to express their emotions.
The sister Dinah of Simon and Levi was violated by the prince of Shechem. But Hamor spoke with them, saying, “The soul of my son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife (vs 8). However, the brothers deceitfully plotted against the city of Shechem and killed all the males in the city. Jacob rebuked his sons for the unjustifiable anger and mass murder. But they said, “Should he treat our sister like a harlot?” (Vs 31). They killed every innocent male in the city along with the offender who was willing to reset the relationship.This is why the Bible says, “In your anger do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26).
Three stages of anger:
1. Anger: Anger is a natural secondary emotion but reacting to anger in rage and wrath is a detestable sin. Find a quiet corner and pour out your feelings to the Lord. Jesus is a good listener and as He listens to us He will also gently comfort and convict us. When we leave the quiet corner we will not be offended with the offender anymore.
2. Rage: Anger that is allowed to brew in our mind will spill out as harsh words, hurtful sassy comments or rude actions. Before anger turns into rage, we must address it. Speak to the offender gently and if that is not possible share with a friend who would give you balanced advice. Don’t look for people who will vouch your anger and fits of rage but will bring conviction and correction.
3. Wrath: Wrath is when plates fly and cups break in the kitchen. Wrath is anger in action! We say things that we should not say and do things that we will regret for the rest of our life if we allow anger to turn into rage and burst out as wrath.
Find a private quiet corner and have a conversation with the Lord when you are angry.
Genesis 34:26 They put Hamor and his son Shechem to the sword and took Dinah from Shechem’s house and left.
Prayer: Father God, may anger never turn into rage or wrath in me. Give me a pliable heart that will respond to hurt and not react in rage. Amen
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