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#80 My Life: The Giant Called AngerDr. Stephen Phinney: Anger is increasingly out of control. Whether it's in personal relationships, social interactions, or within broader societal contexts, the rise in frustration and hostility.
Listen to the podcast version: Brought to you by Gale & Irma Ethridge. UNCONTROLLED ANGERPeople are quicker to anger, and minor disagreements can escalate into major conflicts. This growing trend of unchecked anger not only disrupts harmony and peace in Christ but also erodes trust and understanding among individuals, families and friends.It's crucial to recognize the underlying causes of this pervasive anger and find biblical ways to manage and express emotions, fostering Christ-as-Life forms of empathy, respect, and constructive dialogue.
MY STORY OF FRUSTRATIONI was never prone to explosive outbursts of anger, but frustration and suppressed anger quietly ruled my life for years. The simmering resentment and unspoken fears would build up, creating a heavy burden that weighed me down. I kept these feelings bottled up, afraid of letting them surface and disrupt the fragile calm I tried to maintain. Throughout my childhood, I often resorted to passive-aggressive behavior as a way to express my anger. Rather than openly confronting the issues that upset me, I would find indirect ways to show my frustration. This might have been through sarcastic comments, silent treatment, or intentionally doing things that I knew would annoy others. At the time, it felt like a safer way to deal with my bottled-up opinions, avoiding direct conflict and the potential fallout that could come with it. However, when alone in my room, my hidden rage would show its ugly face when I began throwing things and shouting out obscenities. This approach didn't truly address the underlying issues and often left me feeling more isolated and misunderstood. It wasn't until later in life, when I began to understand the importance of healthy communication and emotional honesty, that I started to break free from these patterns. By learning to express my feelings openly and constructively, I found a more fulfilling and authentic way to navigate my emotions. In due time, I began to swear like a sailor. Growing up in a home where cussing was the norm, it soon became my norm too. The language I heard every day naturally found its way into my own vocabulary. Even today, I find myself slipping into those habits, despite knowing the impact words can have. It's been a journey to recognize and work on changing this behavior in Christ, working toward a more God honoring way to express frustration when overwhelmed. It wasn't until I began to embrace Yeshua and release these pent-up emotions to Him those things began to change. By surrendering my frustrations and seeking His release, I continue to find a sense of His peaceful ways of expression and freedom that honor His guidelines. Yeshua's presence within me became a source of strength, helping me navigate my suppressed opinions and find a Biblical way of expressing myself. Through His love and grace, I learned to let go of the anger that had held me captive, and I started to experience true healing and restoration in and through the life of Yeshua. TOW TYPES OF ANGERAnger is a powerful expression that can have significant impacts on our lives and relationships. In the context of Biblical teachings, anger is generally classified into two categories: righteous anger and sinful anger. Understanding the differences between these types of anger can help us navigate our expressions in a way that aligns with Yeshua’s responses and promotes spiritual growth. Righteous AngerRighteous anger, also known as just or Holy anger, is anger that is directed toward Biblical injustices and wrongdoings. This type of anger is characterized by its alignment with God's will and moral principles. Righteous anger arises from a desire to see justice served and to protect the vulnerable from harm. It is motivated by love, compassion, and a commitment to righteousness. In the Bible, we see examples of righteous anger in the actions of Jesus. One notable instance is when Jesus cleansed the temple, driving out the money changers and merchants who were exploiting the people (John 2:13-17). The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade." His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." Jesus' anger was not driven by personal offense or selfish motives; rather, it was a response to the desecration of a Holy place and the exploitation of others. His actions were rooted in a deep sense of justice and reverence for God's house. In fact, the Word reveals He opened the doors to the cages and released the doves before flipping the tables. Righteous anger can be a powerful force for good, inspiring individuals to take action against injustices and to stand up for what is right. However, it is important to channel this anger constructively, ensuring that it leads to righteous change rather than destructive behavior. Righteous anger should be expressed in ways that promote healing, reconciliation, and justice, rather than causing further harm. Sinful AngerSinful anger, on the other hand, is anger that is driven by selfish motives, pride, and a desire for revenge. This type of anger is often irrational, uncontrolled, and harmful. Sinful anger can manifest as rage, bitterness, and resentment, leading to destructive actions and damaging relationships. Simply put, sinful anger is healthy expressions mixed with the ugly flesh of humanity. The Bible warns against sinful anger and its consequences. In Ephesians 4:26-27, we are advised, "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." This passage highlights the importance of managing our anger and not allowing it to fester and lead us into sinful behavior. If sinful anger is not immediately repented of, the devil takes the opportunity to turn it into rage. That is when self and others get hurt. Sinful anger can easily become a foothold (spiritual stronghold) for negative influences, causing us to act in ways that are contrary to God's will. Proverbs 29:11 also emphasizes the dangers of uncontrolled anger: "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." I’ve been a fool enough times to know this is true! This verse underscores the importance of self-control and wisdom in dealing with our suppressed opinions. Allowing sinful anger to take over can lead to regrettable actions and broken relationships. To overcome sinful anger, it is essential to cultivate Yeshua’s attitude of humility, forgiveness, and patience. By seeking God's guidance and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can learn to manage our expressions and respond to situations with the very Life of Christ. In conclusion, while anger is a natural and powerful expression, it is crucial to distinguish between righteous and sinful anger. Righteous anger, rooted in a desire for Biblical justice and aligned with God's will, can be an eternal positive force for change. Sinful anger, driven by selfish motives and lacking self-control, can lead to destructive behavior and damaged relationships. By understanding these differences and seeking God's guidance inwardly, we can navigate our expressions in a way that honors Him and promotes unity. Releasing the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives can eradicate all fleshly and sinful anger responses.The fruits of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate these virtues within us, they begin to transform our hearts and minds, replacing negative expressions like anger with positive and constructive responses. Love and peace help us approach conflicts with compassion and understanding, while patience and gentleness allow us to handle frustrating situations with the power of Yeshua’s grace. Self-control empowers us to manage our behaviors and avoid impulsive reactions. By yielding to the Holy Spirit and embracing these fruits, we mirror the expressions of Yeshua from within, advancing an environment of harmony and eradicating the destructive influence of sinful anger. The End Times Chronicles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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