Anger Is A Thief

Psalm 37:8 NIV "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil."

Every time I have been angry to the point of taking action based upon that anger, things have not gone well for me!  You can probably relate with events in your own life.  It's in anger that hurtful words get spoken.  It's in anger that harmful actions are taken, even actions against oneself.  Anger is a fuel, it's like gasoline on a flame, it's destructive.  So where does anger originate?  Some people just declare, "I'm an angry type person" or "I'm just hot headed" or maybe "I was born this way".  All may be true (since we are born with a sinful nature, we all have the capability of allowing negative traits to become our characteristics), the truth is, there is something that is the root cause of anger.  Fear is that root!  The fear of being hurt or treated wrongfully (again) produces anger.  Anger sprouts from roots of bitterness that have dug deep in the ground of our past, from the places that we experienced hurt.  Anger becomes a defense mechanism, to protect ourselves from being hurt again.  And while we may defend that place well, we also construct emotional weapons that hurt others, and build walls that prevent relationships to flourish and grow.  So in the long run, we still lose!

So how do we put aside anger when the root is so deep?  It's through forgiveness!  Forgive the wrongs that's been done and release those debts that have piled up that people owe you.  Accept the forgiveness that has been bought for you through Jesus on the cross - He paid a debt that we owed, one we could not pay.  We have all done wrong, but because of God's love, we can be forgiven and free from those wrongs!  When we forgive others, we can be free from the hurt that their wrong-doing caused.  Forgiveness doesn't negate the fact that we were wronged, in fact, if there was no wrong done, there would be no action to forgive.  Forgiveness acknowledges wrong has been inflicted AND overcomes its grip on our soul (our mind, will and emotions)!

If you struggle with anger, ask God to reveal to you where the root began to grow.  When you see it, take the steps to forgive the person or people who caused the pain.  It can be a process.  You may not desire to forgive in the beginning; if so, ask God to help you want to.  He always meets us at the point where we are willing.  As you desire to forgive and get free from the hurt, God will help you move forward.  It will be an act of your will that will develop into a willing behavior, resulting in freedom from anger that once defined your character!