m illions of Americans suffer from toxic anger and depression that is too frequent, too intense, and lasts too long. Managing

or controlling our anger is not really the answer. Mastering (overcoming, conquering) our emotions when confronted with the opportunity to unleash destructive anger is the key. As the people of God, we MUST learn to deal Biblically with toxic anger and debilitating depression! Here are a few tools you can apply... THREE EXAMPLES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Bible has many examples of people who acted in anger and the consequences they experienced for that behavior. Below are three examples...

1. CAIN in Genesis 4:3-16. A. Cain’s inability to deal with his anger against Abel led to the

first recorded murder. This Hebrew phrase personifies sin as being like a crouching animal ready to pounce.

B. What was the consequence of Cain’s anger?

2. MOSES in Numbers 20:1-13. A. In Exodus 17:1-7, God told Moses to strike the rock which

produced abundant water! Then, in Numbers 20, God told Moses to speak to the rock. However, in his (repressed) anger against the people, Moses struck the rock twice, breaking God’s type. Unresolved anger can keep you from obtaining God’s promises.

B. What was the consequence of Moses’ anger?

3. KING SAUL in 1 Samuel 18-27. A. Saul’s fierce jealousy and anger against David ruined his life

and the lives of those in his family. Anger can cause you to hate the person God wants to use in a mighty way.

B. What was the consequence of Saul’s anger?

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11:24-26). The answer lies in proactively doing something that would be of benefit for the one who triggered our anger. This can be something practical or simply to pray for that person.

B. Read Proverbs 25:21 and Luke 6:27-36.

OTHER PRINCIPLES

1. Anger is a human emotion but when not controlled or directed correctly damages not only yourself but those around you.

2. Explosive anger is usually an environmentally learned behavior. Something learned can be “unlearned.”

3. Many times anger hides the real emotions of fear or loss of control. Deal with the real issues.

4. Choose to live in forgiveness today.

5. Be accountable to a friend.

APPLICATION

1. Identify one situation you have a problem with and describe the consequences of taking that emotion to its negative, destructive end. Now describe the consequences if you were to wait 24 hours and act proactively.

2. Do you see yourself delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit from the destructive behavior of reactive anger? Are you willing to develop the discipline of owning your actions without blaming someone else for “making you angry?”

3. Apply the four steps, Breaking the Stronghold of Anger, and make them a very real and active part of your life.

4. In partnership with and through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can live free of the tyranny of destructive anger! (Galatians 6:9; Romans 8:1)

ANGER OVERCOMING

INCORRECT WAYS WE HANDLE ANGER

1. Open aggression obviously hurts others and causes us to do things we later regret. A. This type of anger has a short fuse and can take the forms of

explosive rage, intimidation, blame, yelling and sarcasm.

2. Suppressing our anger pretends not to be offended but allows the build up of anger in the heart. When anger can longer hide an explosion of feelings, angry words, etc. occurs. A. Remember S&H Green Stamps? We would receive a certain

amount of stamps with each purchase and paste the stamps in a booklet. When it was full we would cash it in for prizes. • Letting days go by without even

mentioning an offense. • Depressed and moody. • Then the “cash in.” This type of

behavior is not only destructive to others but to our own lives as well!

3. Passive aggressive behavior manipulates others behind the scenes to get its way. A. It can manifest itself as helplessness, procrastination,

stubbornness, resentment, silence or pouting, uninvolved in groups when not in charge, complaining about people but avoiding face to face confrontation, etc.

B. This type of destructive behavior causes terrible church factions and splits as people are swayed into sin by the angry person’s persuasion.

JOSEPH’S MASTERY OVER HIS OWN ANGER

1. Genesis 45:5-8 and 50:19-21 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

2. Joseph could have been “justified in his anger” towards his brothers for selling him into slavery and ruining a large part of his life. Instead of unleashing years of pent up anger on his brothers, it is obvious that Joseph dealt with his anger.

A. He released vengeance into God’s Hands. B. He willfully changed his viewpoint from the victim

perspective and realized God’s grander scheme in his life. C. He overcame the evil force of unforgiveness and hatred by

doing good: the absolute and unconditional forgiveness of his brothers and providing for their welfare and happiness.

BREAKING THE STRONGHOLD OF ANGER

Anger is normal. However, the Bible states that we must not allow it to remain but to deal with it in a redemptive fashion (Ephesians 4:26-27). Here are four important steps, when consistently applied, will enable us to master this destructive behavior.

1. Take ownership of anger. A. Read James 1:14-15 and 1 John 1:8-9 (“confess” means to

agree with God). What do these verses tell us to do?

2. Pour out your heart to God. This is an extremely important practice! After you have

honestly poured out your heart in His Presence, receive His forgiveness without condemnation (Romans 8:1).

B. Like Joseph’s years in prison, David’s wilderness years could have created enormous, strongholds of anger. Both are powerful examples of men who had mastered anger by learning to pour out their hearts to God, then receiving God’s Spirit of joy!

C. Read Psalm 51:1-13; Psalm 62:8; Psalm 69. What is King David saying or doing here?

3. Put away anger. Don’t simply “manage” or “control” it, overcome it, master

it! (Genesis 4:7) Be aggressive! B. We have the ability to choose to walk away without a fight.

Resolve it or dissolve it! C. Read Genesis 45:4-11; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 4:29

-32. What do these verses tell us to do?

4. Actively overcoming evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21) A. While dropping anger is an important step, it may create a

void that must ultimately be filled (Matthew 12:43-45; Luke

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