The Acid of Anger


Anger—- a strong emotion of displeasure that occurs when a need or expectation is not met.
Four Degrees of Anger (review)
Indignation is Simmering Anger provoked by something appearing unjust/unworthy and is often seen as justified
Wrath is Burning Anger with the desire to avenge
Fury is Fiery Anger that becomes so fierce it destroys common sense.
Rage is Blazing, Violent Fury, loss of self-control and temporary insanity

Recognize your anger as a signal that something is wrong. Like the red warning light on the dashboard of your car, the purpose of the light is to propel you to action. Jesus, becoming angry at the hypocrisy and stubborn hearts of the religious leaders, restored the man’s crippled hand on the Sabbath. (Mark 3:5)

Periodically, everyone feels the heat of anger, but how you handle the heat determines if you are misusing it. The small flame that lights a cozy campfire can just as quickly ignite a fierce forest fire. Likewise, the initial spark of anger that could be used for good can be snuffed out before it accomplishes its designated purpose.

An inappropriate response to anger is expressing your thoughts and feelings in an abusive, insensitive, or manipulative manner that produces dissension and strife. (Eph.4:31) “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger”.

An appropriate response to anger is expressing your thoughts and feelings with confidence, consideration and concern for the other person’s welfare.
(Proverbs 17:27) (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

Unresolved anger leads to unrelenting bitterness burning deep within your heart. It quickly spreads across all borders - destroying your body, damaging your emotions, and devastating your relationships.
Anger may produce some of the following physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms.


PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stomach disorders
Intestinal disorders
Headaches
Blurred vision
Insomnia
Compulsive eating


EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
Anxiety
Bitterness
Compulsions
Depression
Fear
Insecurity
Phobias
Worry

SPIRITUAL SYMPTOMS
Loss of perspective (you allow your emotions to distort your thinking)
Loss of vision (you lose your sense of purpose in life)
Loss of freedom (you become a prisoner of circumstances)
Loss of energy (you lose strength to serve God and others)
Loss of confidence (you feel insecure in responding to difficulty)
Loss of faith (you lack the belief that God is working in your life)
Loss of sensitivity (you can’t hear the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart)
Loss of identity (you become like the person whom you are bitter towards)


James 1:19 & 20