1 Samuel 25:3 The man was harsh and badly behaved.
Anger raises our voice and blood pressure. When we are boiling with anger it raises our body temperature as the body releases stress hormones that increase our heart rate. Anger could be a healthy emotion as long as it is in control. Frequently losing control of our temper clearly indicates an underlying unresolved problem. Raising our voice, shouting, calling names, or brawling does not fix the other person or the issue. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving (Ephesians 4:30-31). Anger and brawling pushes the other person further away from us. A harsh and angry expression does not make constructive changes in anyone. Research confirms that children who grow up in a home full of friction and animosity become depressed, anxious and distorted. Some become aggressive and develop behavioral problems in school and social settings.
Those who justify their anger as ‘righteous anger’ will never be able to overcome the weakness of anger. Injustice, frustrations and unmet expectations could stir up anger but anger or rage does not fix the problem. The word of God says get rid of all anger.
1 Samuel 25 talks about a man named Nabal who was surly, mean and rude. His impetuous anger would have destroyed his home and his household if not for his wise wife who pleaded for forgiveness for the man’s anger tantrums. She fell at his feet and said: “My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your servant speak to you (1 Samuel 25:24).
Three effects of anger:
1. Hyper: Repeated outburst of anger and rage can damage your brain. The brain shunts blood away from the gut and towards the muscles. Medical research has confirmed that the risk of blood clots or bleeding in the brain increases by three times within two hours of outburst of anger. Uncontrolled anger makes us hyper.
2. Historical: When we are angry we become historical. Most times the past mistakes are repeated and silly errors and faults (that could go back decades) are reverberated. When we are poisoned by anger we become judgmental and brutal with our words. Don’t revisit the forgiven past. Stirring the sewage stinks! The Lord God chooses not to bring back our past mistakes that He has forgiven hence; we don’t have the right to rewind the past of our spouse, friend or the offender.
3. Hysterical: Anger makes us frenzied and hysterical. When we are angry we resort to cognitive shortcuts and not rational thinking. When you are angry, just don’t do or say anything until you calm down. Don’t reply to emails, don’t make calls to tell people off and don’t slam the door! Anger makes us go ballistic and hysterical.
Effects of anger can be destructive and sometimes irreversible. Drink a glass of water and wait for the temperature to cool down.
Ephesians 4: 30 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may anger never manifest as bad words or behaviour in my life. Put a bridle over my emotions. Amen
Leave a Reply