“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.“
– James 1:19-21
Do you ever wonder why the world seems to be so full of angry people? It may be because anger, whether overt or buried, has a payoff for the anger person.
Psychologist Leon Seltzer says that when we feel angry, our brains secrete the hormone norepinephrine, which is a painkiller. The anger thus helps us to numb whatever other feeling triggered it. That numbed feeling may be fear or hurt or the pain of rejection or many other possibilities. Anger makes us feel like we’re in control – even when we’re losing control of the anger.
But many of us, especially Christians, have been taught that it’s not okay to get angry. So instead of exploding in rage, we bury our anger. We smile and say that we’ve forgiven those who hurt us when really we’ve only minimized the degree of pain the hurt has caused.
In this session we will come to grips with our anger and look at what’s involved in dealing with it positively. We will talk to ourselves about our anger the way God talks to us, acknowledging that we aren’t perfect and yet God has reconciled us to himself. God wants to be our avenger while we let go of the demand to make the other person pay.
Even though anger can feel good in the moment, unexpressed or wrongly expressed anger harms us and others. We don’t have to be struck with that harm.
Freedom is at hand.
The place where anger is defeated is at the Cross. – Louie Giglio
Be sure to watch the video below:
If you would like to buy Pastor Louie’s book “Goliath Must Fall” or the study guide please do so, but not required for this online study. For those who have bought the books you can follow along:
Goliath Must Fall Study Guide, pp. 77-94; Optional reading: Goliath Must Fall book, Ch. 6
If you have questions or comments about this current study please email me at: Jonathan@lifefellowshipch.com
A Journey Through 