"Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it will cause deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives." -- Hebrews 12:15 (TLB)

Anger is an emotion which occurs because of some event which takes place. In other words, anger is an inward emotion evoked by outward action, circumstance, or situation. The action, circumstance, or situation may be something we do or fail to do, or it may be something done apart from us or done to us.

It is never too late to let go of the anger, the fear, the worries and anxieties that have been draining you. No matter how far back you may have fallen, you still can turn around. Your current direction is far more important than your current location. Imagine how great it would feel to be moving forward. You are, this moment, just one step away.

Take that step forward, and then another. Put momentum on your side, and get time working in your favor. Start giving to life, rather than fighting against it. Begin now to fill each moment with positive purpose, with meaning, with real fulfillment. No matter where you are, or what you've already done, it is never too late. The time to move forward is here and now. -- Ralph Marston

Some Lies About Anger

1. A Christian does not get angry.
2. Anger must always be vented or expressed.
3. It is O.K. to be angry if you just hold it inside you.
4. One has the right to be angry because someone has offended him.
5. One needs to control others by using anger.
6. I am not angry, just a bit irritated.

Let's let look at what we can do when we're hurt, angry, whatever emotion is breaking us down ~

• Don't let your emotions control you. Proverbs 29:8 says, Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
• Be willing to overlook others' transgressions/sins against you. Proverbs 19:11,19 says, A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
• When people say or do something, which makes you angry - give them a kind answer. Proverbs 15:1 says, A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
• When dealing with your feelings, don't just stuff them down. Psalm 4:4-5 says, Meditate in your heart upon your bed and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and trust in the Lord. In other words, think through your feelings to the Word of God, and then determine that you are going to sacrifice those emotions and desires for the sake of righteousness.
• Trust in the Lord. Whatever you go through, you will find God giving you strength and a ministry that will help others.
• Lastly, Never take revenge - but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written. "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord" - Romans 12:19

Some Sources Of Anger

1. Unforgiveness is probably the number one source for anger. Unforgiveness is holding someone accountable for a past offense. Jesus said that we are to forgive others, if not, the Father will not forgive others. Furthermore, if we don't forgive others we open the door for the enemy to enter and take control. Anger can be the major controlling spirit. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
2. The Enemy. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold -- Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV). Therefore, we can be angry one day, but not two. When we are angry longer than one day we open the door to the enemy. He (the enemy) will encourage and promote anger within the individual, and will seek to blind the truth. He will seek to deceive by exaggerating the irritation and justifying the anger. He will seek to control and manifest expressions of anger.
3. Stress Accumulation. The expression, "It was the straw that broke the back of the camel." In reality, the straw did not break the camel's back, but the straw was added to all the other weight. Conflict issues which are not properly handled are simply accumulated. The mother who was abused as a child may explode in anger with her own children when they disobey. The anger the mother felt because of her own abuse is a heavy burden. Then when her own children become an irritation to her, the straw breaks the camel's back and the mother explodes in anger toward her own children. The mother's anger toward her abuser is transferred to her own children. There may also be a series of losses or stress producing situations which produce a mental and emotional overload. The result may be anger.
4. Modeling is a major factor in the development of anger behavior. Children who observe their parents exhibiting anger may grow up acting out their anger that same anger. The anger that is glorified in the drama on T.V., movies, and videos is often translated into a set to react in the minds of many children and adults. There is a truth in the adage, "Monkey see, monkey do. "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared". -- Proverbs 22:24-25 (NIV)
   
5. Generational Curse Of Anger. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments.-- Exodus 20:5-6 (NIV)

An iniquity is an inherited "bent" toward sin that is passed from one generation to the next. As there are inherited physical traits, there are also inherited negative personality traits. The "chip" off the old block may be a valid adage. Junior may wrestle with anger because his parent(s) wrestled with anger. Furthermore, dad and mom may have wrestled with anger because their parents and grandparents wrestled with anger.

6. Possessiveness coupled with loss or fear of loss is another major cause for anger. Possessiveness is holding on to what one believes to be his personal right or expectation. Therefore, when someone believes that he should have a certain job, position, or recognition, but fails to receive it, the result may be anger. If a child believes he should have a toy, but a sibling gets it instead, the result is anger. The wife that feels that she should have the right to be appreciated by her husband, but does not receive it may get angry.

   The teenager who feels he should be free to go with wherever he wants, but is grounded by his parents, may become angry. The man who fails to live up to his self imposed expectations may get angry at himself. When anger is turned inward, it may also led to thoughts of suicide. One may even become angry at God when God does not live up to his expectations. Envy is closely associated with anger because it is desire to have what someone else has. Jealousy in contrast deals with a loss of favor and often results in rage.

7. Control-reaction is a description of a source of anger. Quite often small children learn that they can control the situation through anger if their parents don't stop them. Johnny has a temper tantrum to get what he wants. As a youth, he may become the "bully" displaying anger to control the situation. In marriage, he may use anger to control his wife and children. Anger becomes a means of manipulation, and a necessary friend.
8. Misunderstanding about God. At times we don't see the big picture. We may take one look at the situation and declare that God is unfair. This view often produces anger. Job cursed the day that he was born because of this view (Job 3:1-3). David became very distressed when he saw the wicked prosper. He said, "When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me" (Psalm 73:16). Jonah became very angry because he thought that God was unfair. "But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry" (Jonah 4:1).

Resources and Books

• Healing For Damaged Emotions, by Dave Seamonds
• Hurt and Bitterness, by Winkie Pratney
• Learning More About Bitterness, by Robert S. McGee
• The Anger Workbook, by Frank Minirth and Les Carter