ANGER

WHY WE GET ANGRY ? When our freedom is taken away When we are not recognized as we want to be When we are reduced to little or nothing When we feel we are humiliated When what we believe is not accepted When our loved one or loved thing is hurt

ANGER REVEALS OUR TRUE NATURE FRUITS OF ANGER Shatters friendships Destroys marriages and families Discords business Breeds violence between communities Feuds wars between nations ANGER REVEALS OUR TRUE NATURE

Scriptural Examples After Jesus’ arrest Peter angrily denied his Lord, “He began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, ‘I don’t know the man you are talking about.’” Paul had to urge the Ephesians to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Eph 4:31)

EFFECT ON OUR LIFE Often anger becomes our life-time struggle to fight with… life time of lost energies. It eats away our bodies and souls, yet we may not even be aware of its presence. Most major health issues can be attributed to unresolved issues connected to our anger.

ANGER WITH GOD When we are angry with God, instead of gathering graces we only gather frustrations and end up with stunt emotional and spiritual growth. As a result of our anger with God we cut off the peace and joy God alone can give us.

WHEN ANGER IS JUSTIFIED When it is caused by injustice and sin instead of our selfishness or hurt pride. God is angry when His righteousness is scorned. Eg. Jesus forcefully drew out money changers from the temple… callously making money from God’s people. But we need to be careful of our “righteous indignation” covering our lovelessness and self-righteousness.

ANGER Vs VIRTUES Anger is closely related to bitterness. Bitterness is anger gone sour, and attitude of deep discontent that poisons our souls and destroys our peace. “A bitter-sour-Christian is one of Satan’s greatest trophies.” Someone’s bitterness easily infects others knowingly and unknowingly. “See to it…that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

Turing ANGER into Spiritual Goal Are anger and bitterness keeping you from becoming the person God wants you to be? Turning Anger into goal and vision… for me and for my community…. It is possible with God’s help. Peter’s anger was channeled into boldness for Christ. Paul’s anger against Christians was replaced with a burning passion to spread the Gospel.

Steps in getting out of ANGER 1. Gaining victory over unjustified anger is to want to get rid of it—and the key to that is to see for what it is: Anger is sin in God’s eyes. Remember – “anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” (Mt. 5:22) 2. As with every other sin—is to confess it to God, and seek His forgiveness and help… it is a sin to be cleansed. Replace it with the Holy Spirit’s fruit of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, gentleness, self-control

ANGER AND PRAYER Anger is a big obstacle to prayer. Bring the situation of anger and the persons involved in anger to God. If you are able to pray for someone you are angry with, you have already solved it. If you remember your brother has something against you… Jesus goes one step further in his instruction of prayer and hurtful feelings. Bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly.