How Long Will the Wounds Inflicted by Anger Last?

Anger is costly the moment it’s turned on another person or on oneself. The damage anger inflicts may not be obvious, but the cutting-edge wounds of anger can last a lifetime. A high school student shared with a friend the sadness he felt from being the recipient of constant anger directed toward him by his father.

An obvious cost to this young man is the loss of a close, loving relationship with his father. God intended for fathers to love their children, to nurture and actively support their interests and talents. God instructs fathers to teach children how to be successful, to love God and follow him all of the days of their lives.

The danger of habitual anger is that it transforms into hatred. Proverbs 10:12 warns in the New King James Version that “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sin.” It’s not too late to turn from anger and hatred and let the love of God cleanse and wash you and give you peace so forgiveness will be possible for you.                  

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If we confess our sins, we can depend on [God] to do what is right – He will forgive our sins and wash away every wrong.

~1 John 1:9 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

 

[Jesus said,] “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins, too.”

~Mark 11:25 The Living Bible

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In What Way Is Anger So Costly?

The high cost of maintaining anger takes its toll on those who use it as a means for coping with everyday life. Why would anyone resort to using this powerful emotion to control others or to manage the struggles everyone encounters in life? People discover early on how to use anger to manipulate others.

Children discover temper tantrums get positive results, especially in public places. Some adults take these learned behaviors into adulthood to avoid dealing with complicated issues. Excessive anger reflects an attitude of intolerance, which is interpreted as unloving and uncaring.

Anger will transform into hatred, ready to activate at the slightest provocation. Proverbs 10:12 warns that “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love for others offers forgiveness.” The solution for anger is to repent, to turn away from anger and hatred, so you will be acceptable to God and others.                       

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He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

~Ephesians 1:7 New Living Translation

 

Now it’s time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus.

~Acts 3:19-20 The Message

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How Difficult Is It to Trust the Anger of Others?

Maintaining an attitude of anger over an extended timeframe can be emotionally and physically costly. In addition, an angry attitude has a negative impact on those who constantly are within range of its expression. It’s difficult to trust a person who is subject to having outbursts of hostility, either verbally or physically.

Anger is costly, for it robs both the possessor and the one to whom it’s directed of the trust and intimacy necessary for a healthy relationship. Have you noticed how even pets will react with distrust and fear at the sound of an angry voice and attitude?

It’s incredibly important to discover the root of your anger. There’s a solution for anger, and that is to turn it over to God. He will do what is good and right for you and for the one to whom your anger is directed. God’s word advises, “Do not hate. Do not seek vengeance or bear a grudge, but love others.” So turn your anger over to God right now.                      

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…My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, “I will confess them to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

~Psalm 32:4-5 The Living Bible

God, pick up the pieces. Put me back together again. You are my praise!

~Jeremiah 17:14 The Message

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How Is Anger Affected by Control Issues?

There are occasions when it seems every area of life is producing stress or anger. Stress is a common trigger for anger and builds up over a given period of time. God’s word warns against letting the sun set on anger, for tomorrow will bring new stress to be layered in on what you went to sleep with the night before.

So own up to stressful, angry feelings before closing your eyes to sleep. Sleepless nights often are caused by stress and anger internalized with no acceptable solutions. Even if sleep comes immediately, peaceful slumber may be fleeting as the mind resumes seeking solutions to the day’s stressful events.

Stress and anger can be relieved by realizing your lack of control in particular situations. Entrusting into God’s care what you can’t control is honorable. Jesus said, “Come to me all of you who are burdened down and I will give you rest.” Responding to Jesus’ call will help you continue celebrating Thanksgiving weekend.   

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This day belongs to the Lord! Let us celebrate and be glad today. …Tell the Lord how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful.

~Psalm 118:24,29 Contemporary English Version

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How Does Anger Affect Your Energy?

Anger can be a heavy drain on our emotional and spiritual energy. Predictably, anger is a reaction to stress which can come from many sources, like preparing for holidays. Prolonged anger may create a negative attitude causing inordinate stress on the body, mind, and spirit.

In some instances stress can be a positive influence, but when boundaries are pushed, anger may flare up. If children are not getting their chores finished and time is lost focusing on personal interests, then anger may blaze for non-compliance with parental expectations.

Anger can be costly emotionally by contributing to a day coupled to a foul mood. So explain your desperation and need for assistance. Seeking after righteousness is a powerful tool for taking the edge off stress and anger. Remember, God‘s mercies are new and fresh every morning, Take a moment and receive them. Have a  blessed Thanksgiving.  

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Light shines on the righteous, and gladness on the good. All you that are righteous be glad because of what the Lord has done! Remember what the holy God has done, and give thanks to him.

~Psalm 97:11-12 Good News Bible

All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

~2 Corinthians 4:15 New Living Translation

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What Are the Triggers for Your Anger?

It’s impossible to avoid experiencing anger, whether it comes from within yourself or from others. Anger may appear as discontentment about a minor issue that needs an explanation and clarification. Everyone has faced razor-sharp anger when their physical well-being was questionable.

Anger is triggered when the emotional fiber that stitches us together appears fragile. Anger can be triggered by inconvenience, but it’s usually triggered by the perception of endangerment. It’s normal to respond with anger when frightened by uncertainty. Misinterpreting someone’s attitude and behavior also is a trigger for anger.

We live in a world overflowing with stress that steals away our joy. Therefore it’s incredibly important to focus on the joy Jesus Christ gives to those who seek his righteousness and peace. So why not focus on this gift of joy from Jesus as you celebrate Thanksgiving.  

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Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Contemporary English Version 

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What's the Purpose of Healthy, Productive Anger?

A state of anger exists when individuals embrace indiscriminate power to hurt and alienate those who should be loved and respected. When anger is turned loose in an emotionally charged setting, the objective is to damage those responsible for the problems.

For some, this defines justifiable anger, but it comes from a person who’s determined to protect and defend their vulnerable self. For that person, anger is now rationalized as an offensive measure designed to get even by means of punishment. Anger and punishment then embrace each other as allies.

Healthy, productive anger management, however, determines to use this powerful emotion for creating solutions for all involved. Listen to Psalm 85:10: “Love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will embrace. Human loyalty will reach up from the earth, and God’s righteousness will reach down from heaven” to those who determine to be peacemakers. Will you? 

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A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. ...God doesn’t miss a thing – he’s alert to good and evil alike. Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.

~Proverbs 15:1,3-4 The Message

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