May 9, 2012
Unresolved Anger Has
Poisonous Roots!
Transformational Thought
When you feel angry with someone or something, do
you express your feelings … or do you hold the anger inside? People who bury
their anger usually believe they are doing the right thing by appearing calm on
the outside and not blowing up. The reality, however, is that unresolved anger will
fester and develop into resentment, bitterness, or even depression.
Some people respond to anger by immediately
holding it in, and then releasing it or letting it go a short time later
without hurting themselves or others. We can do this by playing ball or
scrubbing the dishes while calming down, and then having an honest conversation
with the person who upset us. When we handle our feelings like this, the
results are often beneficial. But if you tend to hold your anger inside and grow
resentful, ask God to help you share your angry feelings with people as they
occur. We don’t want to share in a rage or with unkind words. We just want an
honest but controlled expression of our feelings.
The Bible teaches that we shouldn't carry anger
overnight. Get it settled before going to bed. Otherwise, it’s likely that
resentment will grow. We see various Bible passages in which God and Jesus
expressed their anger or displeasure, but did so with a heart, motivation, and
method that were healthy and purposeful.
As we discussed yesterday, anger is just a
God-given warning system … letting us know when a real or potential problem
exists. Thankfully, until you actually do something about the underlying
problem, your brain will continue to warn you. Not addressing the problem is
what allows anger to grow, fester, and come out in harmful ways. Or it can be
directed inward and lead to negative self-talk, low self-image, depression,
isolation, or self-loathing. The negativity against ourselves may include
cutting, excessive piercing and tattooing, addictions, or promiscuity.
Perhaps you are already experiencing bitterness
because of unexpressed grievances from the past. The answer: when anger starts
to warn you, acknowledge the hurt … forgive or ask for forgiveness … address
and solve the original problem. You won’t have to work hard at letting go of
the anger … because, when the problem is resolved, that original anger will quickly
melt away.
Holding on to bitterness can damage your
relationship with God, relationships with others, and your peace of mind. It
even harms your health, especially your heart, blood pressure, digestive
system, and brain chemistry. Being a problem solver, and forgiving and being
forgiven can change all that. Ask God … He will guide and help you. Call our Helpline and we will find a
therapist to equip you with Biblical skills to manage and express your anger
well.
Today, if you notice that someone is angry, ask
them, “You seem angry or upset. That anger is warning you about some problem. Can
I help you work on or solve that problem?” Ask yourself the same question as
well. WITHIN REACH helps you understand
and utilize negative feelings to make great decisions. What you do with your
emotions is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, forgive me and help me deal with
the resentment and bitterness I have been carrying. Give me the strength and
wisdom to move forward by acknowledging the hurt, controlling my anger,
identifying the problem, solving the underlying issue, and forgiving. Thank You
for the wonderful way You designed me. Help me understand that design better so
I can be a great steward of my mind and free will. I pray this and all prayers
in the name of the best mirror for my eye exam, Jesus Christ; and all God’s
children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Look after each other so that none of you fails
to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness
grows up to trouble you, corrupting many
Hebrews 12:15
Kw:
