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SITEs: 5 ways to handle Anger Biblically

• Dealing w/ anger 

OTHER Anger-EXPRESSIONS (cont)
▪️SOMATIZED anger (Psycho-somatic)
This is physical afflictions as indirect outlet for suppressed anger/rage, expressed physically (soma = body), also caused by depression, anxiety, great loss, PTSD…. It’s not imagined pain, only displaced into the body.

Denying our anger at long term wounds (hurt, anger, sadness…) from life’s circumstances – can be played out as Martyr, sometimes suffering in silence, sometimes constantly complaining, but always suffering.
Some SYMPTOMS:  migraine headaches, ulcers, colitis, TMJ (tight jaw), big weight gain, immune diseases…..  Back pain is one of the more common, expressing a genuine ‘lack of support’ in one’s life.

INTERESTING: Somatization is one of the oldest known psychological  diagnoses.
The first reference we know of appeared about 1900 B.C. in Egyptian documents, & was also commented on by the Greeks.
In its modern form, it was first defined by Dr. Briquet in France in 1859.

√ The term Psycho-Somatic has been bastardized into meaning that the ailment is all in our head. Even when the suffering is connected to suppressed emotions, the ailment in very real.
Sadly, somatizers are more likely to try medical solutions instead of the psychological treatment they really need – also some medicine may be needed. This route is frustratingly unsuccessful, wastes money & time, leading to more anger & depression.

▪️VOLCANIC / exploding anger
One of the more dangerous types, it’s dramatic & unpredictable, a reactive style triggered by even minor stressors specific to that person – set off by frustration, a perceived wrong or a personal button.

“Sudden anger” people zoom in from nowhere, blast everything in sight, & then vanish. This loss of control is a knee-jerk reaction, without taking time to think or to consider consequences, & therefore out of their conscious control (choice) at that moment.  They say & do things they may later regret, may even apologize, but by then it’s too late to take it back.

AND – they swear they’ll never go off the deep end again, but they always do. These rage-outburst give them a surge of power, used as an escape. It releases a backlog of pent-up unacceptable emotions, so they feel better – while others are left with the scars.
Whether it’s mostly all bluster, or more abusive, constant use of this unpredictable style can lead to emotional damage in others which can take a long time to repair – if ever.

EXP: Attacking PPT indiscriminately, dishing out unfair punishment, irrational arguments, lashing out or inflicting harm for the sake of it, over-indulging in alcohol, drugs or other addictions….
Note: Anger management tools have proven to be particularly effective with volatile anger.

▪️’SPIRITUAL‘ anger (Biblical)
1. DIVINE – God’s indignation is a component of Divine justice – His attitude toward humans who disrespect Him & disobeying His laws. “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness & unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth.” Rom 1: 18
Characteristics :
a. Not human = never unpredictable, petty or disproportionate. It IS the just & measured response of His purity, against deliberate rebellion, whether from angels or humans
b. Provoked = God’s nature is LOVE and Holiness. Anger is not his nature, so must be elicited by the acting out of evil poisoning His perfect universe

c. Slow to be expressed = The day of God’s wrath will come, but He’s not in a hurry to bring it on, because then the door of Grace (unmerited favor) will then be closed.
IMP: God execution of wrath is always preceded by many opportunities for humans to repent (change). When there’s a ‘course correction’ by the offenders, God’s punishment is always withheld!

d. Revealed now = When humans suppress the truth about Him, worshiping created things rather than the Creator, God gives them up to the natural consequences of their vice & decadence

e. Stored up = There will be a final time of wrath, when God wipes out all evil. Then there will be a new heaven & a new earth, the home of eternal righteousness. (More….)   God’s anger in Old & New Testaments)

2. RIGHTEOUS HUMAN anger – our reaction against actual sin – ie. how people offend God. It focuses on God’s concerns, plans & rights
🔅 It requires it’s self-control. & is not about our personal inconvenience, or violation of preference. (See post :  Righteous Anger’)

3. SINFUL HUMAN anger – a reaction to our thwarted desires, being deceived or cheated.
Also, assuming God is unjust : ‘People ruin their lives by their own foolishness & then are angry at the Lord.” Prov. 19:3 (MORE…. )

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