In my experience with my own heart health and the heart health of others, I have learned that when we have moments where our anger flashes up like a brush fire from some incident, we have been triggered from a previous unhealed hurt. It’s like people walk around with landmines in their hearts, and it can be very sad for the person who unwittingly steps on that landmine and is exploded upon. It rarely happens from a large incident, rather something small and often totally innocent on the part of the person who steps on the sore place of another. It’s a very unfortunate turn of events. It can bring long term damage to a friendship and all because one person refuses to admit they have a hurt that needs healing, or because they are unaware that they are responding from a place of hurt.
The Bible instructs us in how to behave though…
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life 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
If you find yourself often or easily angered, it’s truly time to take a minute and search yourself. Ask God to show you any places of pain in your heart, receive His perspective and find the courage to release your pain to Him. He is a just God, you can never find justice apart from Him. Your anger won’t bring about righteousness, it will just cause devastation to your life. The Bible also warns us…
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. Proverbs 29:22
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. Proverbs 22:24-25
I have two questions for you, after reading those two scriptures. Are you close with an angry person? Are you an angry person?
It’s so important to answer these questions honestly. You need to know if you’ve fallen into the pit of anger. It’s not hard to get out, but you can’t get out of something you don’t realize you are in. Be honest with yourself and determine to make a change if necessary. It’ll benefit you and all those around you.
Prayer Moment: God, am I an angry person? Forgive me for any places in my heart that are easily angered. I invite You to come in and remove all anger from within me. I want to be more like You. Hold me close. Teach me Your ways. In Jesus name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 