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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The Power of Words

Every word spoken has an obvious motive which may or not be apparent to the speaker or the listener. Sir Walter Scott in his poem, “The Lord of the Isles,” noted: “Many an arrow at random sent, finds a mark the Archer little meant, and a word at random spoken, may soothe or wound a heart that's broken.”

The message in a poem I learned as a child couldn't be more fake. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” We heal from physical injuries, but words wound the heart and soul for a lifetime because they cannot be forgotten.

Destructive words can sever the link to what is good and noble within you while creating a barrier to the Lord God. Remember, you can change the way you speak by changing what's in your heart. Confess to the Lord Jesus Christ what’s sinful and detrimental in your heart so he can cleanse and forgive you.        

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The eyes of the Lord are in every place, observing both the evil and the good. A gentle statement is a tree of life, but perverted speech shatters the spirit.

~Proverbs 15:3-4 International Standard Version

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