Anger
is an emotion that everyone feels to some extent. It may start
out with a sense of frustration or disappointment. Anger can
quickly get out of control. But, we believe that the emotion
of anger is an energy which can be transformed into something
good. People
can learn to direct anger into faith,
assertiveness,
problem-solving, empathy and forgiveness. Christians can learn
to express a godly and righteous anger when triggered by frustrating
events and people. Read more about how to manage anger..
1.
How can I tell when my anger is getting out of control?
Simply
stated, you can tell you have a problem with anger when:.. it
is too frequent... it is too intense... it lasts too long...
it leads to aggression... it disturbs work or relationships...
it causes you to feel out of touch with God... it is contrary
to scripture.
2.
Can someone or something cause me to get angry?
A
good analogy is this dialogue between children: "The five year-old
was showing a Kindergarten classmate the new weight scale in
the bathroom. "What's it for?" the visitor asked. "I don't know" the
five year-old replied. "all I know is, when you stand on it,
it makes you very mad." Someone or something can seem to make
us angry, but God holds us responsible for our reactions, as
we read in Col. 3:8: "But now you must rid yourselves of all
such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander," At first
we blame the person or situation for our anger, when in reality
we choose to be angry based on the beliefs we hold about a particular
event.
3.
When is anger good?
In
Nehemiah 5:6-7, Nehemiah's angry reaction to social injustice
helps him take positive action to confront the oppressive officials
in Israel and reverse the injustice. When Jesus was in the
Temple He threw out the money-changers & tax collectors
to cleanse His Father's house of corruption. God's anger is
always righteous and holy bringing about justice, and even
punishment at times. In Ephesians 4:26, Paul tells us to be
angry, but not to sin or keep holding onto anger. "In your
anger do not sin; Do not let the sun go down while you are
still angry." (NIV) Anger is good when God is in control
of it, and in control of our behavior and thoughts. Anger can
give us energy to act according to God's will, and help us
express our thoughts and feelings in honest but loving ways.
Anger can help motivate us to resolve problems and conflict.
The
problem is that we still have a difficult time
controlling our anger and giving God control of our actions
when we are angry, even as Christians. What's Good About Anger will
help you learn your triggers, the sources of anger
and how to trust that God is able to provide you
with power and wisdom to handle situations which
precipitate your anger.
These
programs and resources are offered by Lynette
J. Hoy, a National Certified Counselor, experienced
Marriage and Family Counselor, Licensed Clinical
Professional Counselor, Diplomate
with the American
Association of Anger Management Providers, Crisis
Counselor and Anger Management Specialist.
Co-author of What's Good About Anger? Mrs. Hoy has trained hundreds of
students and clients in anger and conflict management.
Contact Lynette
Hoy at 630-368-1880
or by mail at:
Lynette Hoy,
2000 Spring Road, Suite 603,
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523 USA
708.524.3333, ext. 1
630-368-1880
Fax: 630.530.2066
