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Uncover the destructive nature of anger and how to control it with biblical wisdom. Learn to replace anger with love and live a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Discover why uncontrolled anger is detrimental and how to embody virtues like gentleness, kindness, and patience.
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Defeating Angerand Abusiveness B.A.S.I.C. Training
The troubling thing about anger…. • Of the 7 deadly sins, anger is possibly the most fun. To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontations still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back--in many ways it is a feast fit for a king. The chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself. The skeleton at the feast is you. Frederick Buechner
The times that anger is a righteous endeavor are few. • The Bible records only a few such events for the Lord. • Usually anger is destructive and can even be deadly. • No wonder the Bible dedicates a great deal of space to teachings and illustrations about the folly of uncontrolled anger.
Matthew 5:21-22 -- "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.” • Anger had a habit of progressing
Ephesians 4:26 -- "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry….” • Anger easily results in sin!
Are you a fool? • Proverbs 29:11 -- A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. • Uncontrolled anger is the act of a fool.
What is our Christian responsibility concerning anger? • 1 Corinthians 13:5 -- …It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. • We must choose LOVE rather than ANGER
We must dispose of anger and its cousins: • Ephesians 4:31 -- Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. • Colossians 3:8 -- But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
We must recognize the unrighteous nature of anger • James 1:19-21 -- My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
We must reject anger in favor of prayer • 1 Timothy 2:8 -- I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
When Did Jesus Become Angry? • Mark 3:1-6 – When the Jewish leaders cared more about trapping Him than healing a sick man. • Mark 10:13-16 – When His disciples tried to make Him “untouchable” and prevent children from coming to Him.
John 2:14-16; Mark 11:14-16 – When merchants and thieves turned the temple into a marketplace for personal gain. • John 11:33 – When seeing the effects of death on people He especially loved. (Jesus was “deeply troubled” or agitated).
Jesus was angry about things that were against God’s perfect will. • Such things deserve anger. We should be angry (righteously) about injustice, hatred, prejudice, wickedness and such things that are contrary to the will of God. • Even then, our anger is to be controlled and tempered by love.
So what are we to be? • Gentle • Kind • Loving • Peaceful • Patient • Longsuffering