Anger Shock!

Anger is aroused by perceived injustice (whether the perception is in fact true or not). Anger itself is not necessarily a bad thing. It is an alarm that something needs to change, and that can in fact be a good thing. However, how we respond to the alarm can be healthy or unhealthy.

The general way in which an individual handles anger is a learned and habitualized pattern. It is a learned behavior, and, as with most behaviors, we learn through observation. Unfortunately for many, those closest to us did not model healthy behavior in relation to handling anger.

The sudden physiological rush initially produced when anger strikes, is very brief. Perpetuating that excited state is largely a choice. Yet, our habituation (knee-jerk-reaction) to the “anger shock” has become so ingrained in us adolescence and adulthood that it seems to us that there is no choice to be made.

Proverbs 29:8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man contends with a fool, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the upright seek his well-being. 11 A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.

What would happen to anything in the path if this were anger being vented:

Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down upon your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.

So, how do we proceed to accomplish the calling of God in Ephesians 4:26&27?

1.      Recognize your habituation to “anger shock.” Is it:

a.       Healthy

b.      Explosive-aggressive

c.       Passive-aggressive

d.      Suppressive—(stuffing)—which becomes personally oppressive

2.      Slow down

3.      Honestly scrutinize and evaluate:

a.       What needs to change?

                                                              i.      Is it a change in the physical environment?

                                                            ii.      Is it your perspective and the attitude it elicits?

                                                          iii.      Is it, in fact, the other person’s false perspective and the attitude it elicits?

                                                          iv.      What other questions may factor into the evaluation of what needs to change?

b.      Can you effectively initiate the change that is necessary?

c.       What is the best way to initiate that change?

Can you briefly explain an actual instance when you used your own process slowing down, making an honest evaluation, and taking healthy action effectively?

James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Unhealthy response to anger uses up strength, but it does not produce health.

Ephesians 4:20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus; 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 23 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness

Working with God to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind” takes effort, which also uses strength, yet this use of strength with God is progress in God-given purpose; increasing health and building greater strength.