Is There Hope for Displaced Anger?

Anger is often referred to as a harmful emotion for it can produce words that cut to the bone and behavior capable of destruction and death. I’m reminded of the adage that asserts, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Anyone who believes these words is either in denial or out of touch with reality.

Words spoken in anger can inflict pain and suffering, while destroying trust and the desire to be close and affectionate. Whether anger is spoken in harsh, cutting words or acted out physically, the most appropriate feeling should be guilt for using this emotion as a destructive weapon.

Misguided anger may be directed toward God if he’s perceived as holding the rod of punishment. God’s mercy allows for flawed beliefs as he waits for his people to mature and seek forgiveness, which he grants without hesitation. The best antidote for anger’s poison is God’s unfailing love and his wisdom.  

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Dear friends, let us practicing loving each other, for love come from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know him better.   

~1 John 4:7 The Living Bible

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Forgiveness: Choose It & Pursue It! Don't Refuse It!

Forgiveness is a choice as well as a privilege. One reason for choosing forgiveness is personal sanity and peace. Refusing forgiveness is choosing an embittered and tormented life. Internalizing anger, hurt and grief means hanging on to frustration, disappointment and bitterness that diminish the capacity for happiness.

Someone explained to me how difficult it was to let bygones be bygones. She was referring to a person she had loved and trusted, but from whom she had experienced rejection. Feelings of guilt flooded her conscience for being unable to forgive completely which left her with feelings of insecurity and the absence of peace.

Forgiveness has to be pursued by asking God to unlock every chamber of your heart and soul that may be harboring the slightest trace of resentment and hatred. Present and future happiness cannot compete with these disruptive feelings. Forgiveness depends on trustworthiness and honesty. Forgiveness provides hope for a life of peace and security. 

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Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.

~Matthew 6:12 Good News Bible

“I have told you all this so that you may find your peace in me. You will find trouble in the world – but, never lose heart, I have conquered the world!”

~John 16:33 Phillips – The New Testament in Modern English

“You didn’t choose me! I chose you! I appointed you to go and produce lovely fruit always, so that no matter what you ask for from the Father, using my name, he will give it to you. I demand that you love each other.”

~John 15:16-17 The Living Bible