Argument and Dispute

Anger

Anger is a very strong feeling caused by injustice or dissatisfaction. It is not bad in itself.

God and anger

The Bible tells us about an angry God. God's anger is the logical consequence of his holiness and love. God is angry at human injustice and sin (Psalm 7:12). God's anger never manifests itself independently of his love. He always expresses his anger for our good.

Human anger

Everyone experiences anger. It releases a very strong energy in man that he can use for good or for evil. We as human beings with our fallen nature do not have the God’s discernment. What we consider unjust is not necessarily so. That is why it is important not to act on the spur of the moment, but to take the time to calm down and reflect and especially to ask God how to react. Satan often pushes us to react on the spot with threatening words and violent acts. The solution is not to simply do nothing. If we do not deal with the feelings of frustration and anger that a certain event or word has brought up in us, these feelings will grow in our hearts and may erupt more strongly later.

The symptoms

- Your heart beats harder than normal

- Your mouth becomes dry

- Your breathing becomes faster

- You have no patience with anyone

- Every little problem makes you angry

- There are some people you find difficult to meet

- You have the habit of blaming others - and God! - for what happens to you

- You have lost all joy

- You are quick to use strong, harsh and abusive words

- Sometimes you even hit objects or people

The remedy for anger

If you have been violent in a fit of anger, if you have hit or shouted at someone…

1. Tell the story to God and tell him you are sorry.

2. Ask Him to give you the courage to ask forgiveness from the person you hurt.

3. If you still have feelings of frustration or revenge towards that person, ask God to remove them.

4. If the problems that caused the situation are still there, ask God to show you a solution that glorifies Him.

If you need help to deal with frustration and injustice in the future…

1. Confess to God that you are not able to deal well with situations of frustration and injustice.

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to stay calm, not to react violently on the spot.

3. Ask for His help in finding good words and long term solutions to the problems that have caused the situation.

4. Thank God for what he will do in your heart.

Bible reading

Genesis 37: The story of Joseph and his brothers

Questions for reflection :

* Why were Joseph's brothers angry with him?

* What were the consequences of their angry actions?

* Try to imagine another possible reaction.

* What can you learn from this story about dealing with anger in your everyday life?

Bible verses to remember

If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin. Your anger must stop before the sun goes down. (Ephesians 4:26).

A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up (Proverb 15:1).

Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come. All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also. (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)