Letting Go of Anger Consequences of Anger Ephesians 4:26-27 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Many people don’t realize the cost of holding on to bitterness. They may imagine that if their grudge is justified. They think they have a right to nurture it.
Harboring anger is an understandable reaction to life’s hurts & offenses. Yet resentment takes a horrible toll on our relationships, & even our health. It even has an effect in our fellowship with God.
No wonder the Bible instructs us to deal quickly with this potentially destructive emotion. James 1:19-20 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Anger is an extremely powerful emotion. It can destroy lives, tear relationships apart, & even ruin a believer’s witness. The apostle Paul understood the negative potential of resentment. Thus he offered this advice on how to deal with it: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other,just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” Ephesians 4:31 -32 When we’re right in the middle of tense situations, Paul ’s recommendations may seem unrealistic & impractical. But unless we apply his advice. We could easily face the devastating consequences of uncontrolled rage. For example, our anger can shut down communication with others. It can also lead to a silent but very damaging type of resentment The “passive-aggressive” This person takes out his bitterness on others in subtle ways.
One of the most harmful consequences of uncontrolled anger is depression. Over time, inner turmoil & unresolved conflicts. They will take their toll on a person’s mental health. But we have a choice. We can let our anger control us. Which means we opt to suffer the consequences. Or we can release this debilitating emotion by forgiving those we feel have stirred our bitterness Try to identify causes of anger in your life. The best thing is to bring them before the Lord. Trust that He will empower you to overcome these sources of strife. Ephesians 4:31-32 once more. “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” Just let the truth of God’s Word strengthen you.
1.Anger Defined: A strong feeling of intense displeasure, hostility, or indignation. As a result of a real or imagined threat, insult, frustration, or injustice toward yourself or others important to you. A. There are three types of anger: 1) Rage This is usually an explosive expression of anger. 2) Resentment This is repressed or suppressed anger. 3) Indignation This is righteous anger over a wrong someone else has suffered or an unjust situation. Keep in mind Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. 2.A Threefold Warning In Ephesians 4:26-27 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. A.We are to “be angry, & sin not.” In other words, don’t give in to rage & resentment towards another person. B.“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” God does not want us to go to sleep at night. Without dealing with the hostility we felt that day. C. “Do not give the devil an opportunity.” Tragically, you & I sometimes become upset unnecessarily. Because we misunderstood another person’s comment. Keep this in mind Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 3.The Consequences of Anger
A. To ourselves: Anger breaks our fellowship with God. We can’t be at peace with the Lord while we are angry with another individual Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. B.Your relationships with others: The truth be told people will suffer. For example, a marriage will not thrive. If one or both spouses become angry & refuse to address the problem. 1.You will develop a critical spirit. Bitter people often become judgmental. In an effort to justify their negative feelings.
2.You will lack peace. Proverbs 22:8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. Hostility makes you restless & robs you of joy. 3.Anger leads to emotional isolation. When people are wounded. They often try to protect themselves from further hurt by pushing others away. 4.Anger results in frustration & anxiety. You may expect betrayal or constantly question the motives of those who are kind to you. 5. It leaves you feeling empty. When we cut ourselves off from friendships in order to prevent further hurt.
God allows us to feel lonely. Just know that are not for He does say in Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6.It can also cause you to become narrow in mind & heart. You begin to criticize & belittle others. Perhaps through joking. But none the less the barbs are real. 7.Anger sometimes manifests itself through chronic tardiness. By being late, people seek to demonstrate that no one can tell them what to do. 8.Hostility can make you disagreeable. If you have unresolved anger. It can make you argumentative with everyone. Not just the person who offended you. 9.Anger can make you sloppy on the job. You may begin to justify failing to look your best. Do your best,& be your best at work. 10. Anger can cause you to lose your enthusiasm. You may withdraw from social activities. Yes even lose your excitement for hobbies & passions. 11.Hostility, if left unchecked, results in procrastination. It diminishes your ability to concentrate. So you are less likely to complete tasks. 12.Anger can contribute to obesity. Because people try to comfort themselves through food. 13.It also prevents genuine sexual intimacy in marriage.
C.To our health: 1.Unresolved, unrighteous anger This increases your adrenalin level, heart rate, & blood pressure. Your mouth becomes dry & your hands get moist. Your stomach tenses & this interrupts digestion. Your blood rushes to supply your muscles with extra energy. Thus could lead to heart attack Or stroke. Is it worth it?
2.Chronic rage or resentment. Over the long term! This contributes to ulcers, hypertension, heart disease, heart attacks, & even stroke. It results in crippling arthritis & severe depression. In short, every system of your body is affected. Initially, you may not feel these devastating effects of anger. But in time, they can ruin your health. D.To other people: 1.Anger hurts those around us. Resentment separates close friendships & other relationships. It’s often a factor in divorce. 2. Rage can cause damage to the belongings of others. Sometimes it even results in physical harm. Can & has been known for loss of innocent life. E. To God: 1.Anger grieves the Lord. Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Hostility does not fit who we are as children of God. 2. It hinders His work. Those who harbor resentment are often not willing to obey His voice. 3. The Father will not pour out His full blessing on an angry person.
Conclusion: I encourage you to think about how anger will affect you. Even your relationships with others, & your fellowship with God. If you are willing to forgive instead. You will experience healing. Forgiveness might save your job, your marriage, or other relationships. One thing is for certain: Letting go of anger will keep you from self-destruction. Why not give it a try today?
Keep these three verses in mind: 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
