LETTING GOOF

ANGER

Anger

Letting Go of Anger

Ephesians 4:26-27 "Be angry, and do

not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place

to the devil.”

Ephesians 4:31-32 “ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil

speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be

kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving

one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.“

Letting Go of Anger

God’s Perspective on Anger

• Anger is an amoral emotion.– Ephesians 4:26

• Out-of-control anger can be destructive.– We can become critical– We can become demanding– We can become explosive

• Be careful; physical and verbal explosions promote bad habits.– Jeremiah 22:21; Micah 2:1

Letting Go of Anger

“A strong feeling of intense displeasure,

hostility, or indignation as a result of a real or imagined threat, insult, frustration, or injustice

toward yourself or others important to

you.”

Three Categories of Anger:

Explosive rage

Suppressed resentment

Righteous indignation

Letting Go of Anger

Righteous/Unrighteous Anger

• God can become angry.

– Numbers 25:3-11

– 2 Chronicles 36:16

– Romans 1:18

Righteous/Unrighteous Anger

• Jesus expressed righteous anger.

– Mark 3:2-5

– John 2:13-17

– Revelation 6:16

Righteous/Unrighteous Anger

• Christians can have righteous anger

– Ephesians 4:26

– James 1:19

– Romans 12:19-21

– Psalm 119:104

• Can move us away from apathy to accomplish and achieve.– Exposing sin and

false teachers (Ephesians 5:11)

– Standing for truth (Jude 3)

Righteous/Unrighteous Anger

• Righteous anger is not vested in sinful self-interest.– Am I angry because I’m

questioned or criticized?– Am I angry without

justifiable cause?– Do I cherish anger?– Do I have vengeful

thoughts?– Do I have an unforgiving

spirit?”

Righteous/Unrighteous Anger

Unrighteous Anger

• Share and gather information– Do you feel threatened like the Pharisees?

– Do you feel disappointed and prideful as Jonah did?

– Do you feel unjustly treated as the older son did?

• Listen and seek common understanding.– Luke 15:27-30

• Promote positive change.– Luke 15:31,32

Forms of Sinful Anger

“Bitterness” – a spirit of resentment

“Wrath” - a boiling agitated feeling

“Anger” - seethes within a man and may break out in some word or action that attacks the person or character of the one against whom it expresses contempt

“Clamor” - the outburst of noisy contentions. The original word meant to cry out.

“Slander” – railing or accusing another. Same word used to describe those who blaspheme God’s name.

“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for

anger rests in the bosom of fools.”

(Ecclesiastes 7:9)

Letting Go of Anger

“A quick tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.”

(Proverbs 14:17)

Letting Go of Anger

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

(Proverbs 15:1)

Letting Go of Anger

“A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow

to anger allays contention.”

(Proverbs 15:18)

Letting Go of Anger

“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)

Letting Go of Anger

“Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a

furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your

soul.” (Proverbs 22:24,25)

Letting Go of Anger

Causes of Sinful Anger

Not getting our way: Some people grow angry when they lose control of a situation.

Feeling rejected: Being excluded, overlooked, or mistreated

Loss: Losing what we cherish, or simply fearing that loss

Disappointment: Unmet expectations

Injustice: When we are mistreated, we can become hateful, vengeful, or bitter.

Feeling inadequate: Comparing our lives to the lives of others

Effects of Sinful Anger

The physical effects of anger are both immediate and long-term. It’s devastating to the body to carry bitterness, hatred, and an unforgiving spirit.

Destroys relationships – families, friendships, churches, businesses, communities, etc.

Passive aggression occurs when we’re angry about something but express our negative feelings in indirect or passive ways (e.g., sulking, not communicating).

Depression can be chemical, but it’s often the result of unresolved conflict in a person’s heart.

Consequences of Sinful Anger Broken relationship with God (Matthew 5:23, 24). Broken relationships with others (Ephesians 4:29). Absence of peace (Hebrews 12:14-15). Critical spirit (Matthew 7:1-5). Emotional isolation Frustration and anxiety

(Philippians 4:5). Obstructionism – oppose everything Loss of enthusiasm Lack of focus

Grieves God’s heart

Hinders His work

Prevents His blessing

Three-Fold Textual Warning

“Be angry and sin not” – Be sure your anger is justified and controlled.

“Do not let the sun go down on your wrath” – Do not internalize your anger.

“Do not give the devil an opportunity” – He is looking for an open door to lead you into sin.

How to Handle Your Anger

Own up to your anger.

Identify the anger’s source - don’t misdirect your response.

Deal correctly and quickly with anger – do NOT blow up or let it simmer.

Forgive others just as God forgave you - His willingness to forgive is our model.

Be proactive - learn to identify the things that cause you to be angry.

How to Handle Anger

Read God’s Word

Pray for wisdom

Always be ready to forgive – imitate Christ

Acknowledge God’s grace and count your blessings

Mental discipline (Philippians 4:6-8)

Letting Goof Anger

Unchecked anger can lead to a

lonely, miserable, godless life.

Christ’s gospel leads to love, joy,

peace, and eternal life.