Anger

Do not let your hurt become hate...

Anger affects a person emotionally, physically, and psychologically. According to Clinton & Hawkins (2011), it is "the most powerful and least understood of all the emotions" (p. 178). Anger is a strong emotional reaction of displeasure with the desire to do something in response to these feelings. It is an advanced stage of frustration, that uncontrolled by the power of God, can lead to violent outbursts and destructive conduct. It can also lead to plans for revenge or punishment, which is why "of all the emotions, anger is the one most likely to be labeled a sin" (Clinton & Hawkins, 2011, p. 179).

What I find most interesting about anger is its effect on our health. Proverbs 19:19 (New International Version) says, "A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty." Anger has lasting effects on our lives if we do not deal with it properly. The physical effects of anger are both immediate and long-term. Like fear, anger triggers the same physiological “fight or flight” response, leading to a plethora of health problems (if consistent). When we experience anger, our body releases the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which prepares the body for survival mode. Physicians advise us that losing our cool consistently causes high blood pressure, dryness of mouth, and a fast-beating heart. It could even bring pre-mature death. In a study conducted by the University of Michigan, a group of women was tracked for 18 years to see who was harboring long-term anger. Women with suppressed anger were three times more likely to have died during the study than those who did not have bitter hostility (Angier, 1990).

Anger affects us psychologically as well. Although depression can be chemical, often it is the result of an unresolved conflict in a person's heart. It is devastating to the body to carry an angry spirit. Anger causes our minds to be filled with unholy and negative thoughts; however, God tells us to meditate on, "what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8). Because our thinking dictates our behavior, we follow through on sinful thoughts and cause a lot of damage. A hot temper means you may say or do a lot of hurtful things, which could also mean a loss of family and friends. Anger always leaves a trail of hurt feelings and unhappiness behind you.

Finally, anger demonstrates the opposite of love, and love should be the defining characteristic of a Christian. You cannot express love and anger at the same time. Once anger takes root, it chokes out love. 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 tells us that “Love is patient and love is kind.” It’s important to remain patient during trying times that we may not utter hurtful words. Clinton & Hawkins (2011) state that "Healthy anger responds rather than reacts. It is proactive and not nearly reactive. It sheds more light than heat" (Clinton & Hawkins, 2011, p. 179). We need to remember that “Love is not easily angered” (1 Corinthians 14:5). We should do our best to be imitators of God, who is slow to anger (Ephesians 5:1, Psalm 103:8).

The verse that convicted and freed me of anger, when I first got saved, was Ephesians 4:31,"Get rid of your bitterness, hot tempers, anger, loud quarreling, cursing, and hatred. Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ."



Reference:

Angier, N. (1990, December 20). Chronic anger may lead to early death. Retrieved August 31, 2017, from http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1990-12-20/news/9004150151_1_chronic-anger-early-mortality-hostile

Clinton, T., & Hawkins, R. (2011). The popular encyclopedia of Christian counseling: An indispensable toolfor helping people with their problems. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers.