Psalm 37:8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
“Healthy people experience anger, but they can suppress it before acting on it.”
Anger is a survival instinct and a necessary emotion however when it gets out of control it is destructive. A person goes through the primary emotions such as fear, sadness or loss of control before they become angry. If a person is under constant threat and tumultuous emotional spurts, it makes them outrageous if the feelings are not managed well.
The Bible clearly says that anger that is out of control is destructive. “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27). Anger captures and channelizes our energy to something that needs attention or correction but anger will not fix the problem. For example a sassy comment might agitate us but retaliating to the sarcasm will only raise our blood pressure and leave us wounded. Anger destroys intimacy and corrodes friendships and relationships. Angry reactions and retaliation only pushes people away and does not resolve the issue. It breaks trust and creates a repelling fear circle. Prolonged anger will only result in evil, bitterness and destruction.
David was insulted by a wealthy man by the name of Nabal. He took 400 men strapped with swords to get even with the hot-headed fool Nabal. Yet, his wife Abigail acted quickly and went to David with a sincere apology and pleaded for the idiocy of husband. Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him (1 Samuel 25:25). David chose forgiveness instead of revenge. He relinquished the outrageous anger and decided to be the bigger person. David, though a mighty man of valor, returned back to his refuge and allowed God to fight the battle for him. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died (vs. 38).
Anger is a natural reaction to fear, threats, insults or helplessness but retorting in anger and prolonged harbouring of anger will only result in evil reactions.
Resolve resentment; don’t react:
1. Bitter: Unsolved anger and resentment turns into bitterness. The deposits of the ill feelings make the heart bitter and cold. Choose to forgive to set yourself free. Do not let the sun go down on your anger. All problems cannot be resolved before sunset but it is important to calm your mind and quench the fire of anger within yourself.
2. Bigger: Revisiting the abuse, insult or the harm will stir up anger and relive the painful ordeal over and over again. Be the bigger person and forgive and release the offender.
3. Bless: Repression causes depression. Turning anger inwards and hoarding it is harmful and hateful. Bless, don’t curse the offender. The balm that heals an angry heart is forgiveness.
Don’t sleep over anger, overnight anger marinates into evil bitterness.
Job 18:4a You who tear yourself to pieces in your anger, is the earth to be abandoned for your sake?
Prayer: Sweet Jesus, give me the quickness to let go of anger and the swiftness to be set free from resentment. Amen.
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