Forgiveness & Anger

Sometimes it seems as though the more we try practicing forgiveness within our lives the more internal and external anger we deal with. As if our fleshly desires was trying to fight the progress (spiritual growth) we were trying to make. As soon as we begin to operate in our anger, it shows the content of our hearts, It reveals your true views of that person and people like them, it also reveals the hidden sins of our hearts. It is saddening when people we care about, or don't even know let us down, it pulls our emotions in ways we feel like we can't control. It is essential if we are serious about developing into the Kings and Queens God intended for us to be that when we feel anger rising, we begin to explore our minds for answers to these questions:

• What am I thinking about this person? Does this truly grasp the character of this person? Are those thoughts valid, or am I just hurting? Do I often surround myself around people who share that same negative (if negative) characteristics.

• Did they mean to cause me offense, or was it by accident?

• What other emotions am I experiencing simultaneously with my anger? Why do I feel those emotions?

• What do I want to do to this person in response to their actions against me?

If the answer to that question is anything other than to express how you feel about their actions, forgive them, and move on either with or without them; then we have to now explore the content of our hearts.

• What about their actions triggered me to feel angry?

• Is this anger deeply rooted in something that I have experienced in the past with them or other people?

• If this person has done this before do I need to forgive them for their faults against me, and establish boundaries and limitations to protect my heart?

• Who do I need to forgive from my past? What people in my life have contributed to the anger that I have today, what and how can I go about forgiving them even if I don't ever get a "I am sorry".

• What do I need right now, to give myself peace about the situation I have just encountered?

Here are some emotions we often might feel when we experience anger: Frustration, vengeful, irritability, stubbornness, guilt, self-righteousness, pride, envy, and many more depending on what the root of the anger stems from.

No good or Godly emotions come from us being angry...

Sometimes we are not as self-aware as we would like to be So, here are some physical signs that are often shown when we are angry: "raised voices, harsh words, glaring eyes, explosive actions, and physical tension".

When we are confronted with offense, it is important that we handle the situation correctly, so that we will not operate in a vengeful/angry spirit. When we naturally operate in our anger, it is an indicator that we're suffering with a heart issue. There is some unresolved pain that needs to be dealt with, that we have neglected to ACKNOWLEDGE.

When you have conflict with friends, family, coworkers, associates, and strangers it is important that you approach the situation with forgiveness, understanding, and wisdom. Even if you can not sit down with the person one-on-one approach with forgiveness. Even if the person doesn't admit to their faults, or no one understands your perspective approach with wisdom. Even if you never get a "I am sorry" approach with understanding. Forgiveness is not about that specific person or group of people, it is for your own peace, salvation, and sanctification process. We forgive those around us so that God can Forgive us. We forgive so that we can learn about about the deep compassion that God has for all of us. We forgive so that hate can't swallow us.

At some point in our lives we have to take responsibility of where we are in our lives. We pick and choose how we feel. If we make the decision that we don't want to be angry anymore, then we must stop doing it and make the conscious decision to forgive. if we do not have control over our anger, that means we do not have any control over ourselves which means self-control/discipline is the next thing we have to work on. And there is no shame in that. Everyday we wake up God has graced us with another opportunity to change and grow for the better. Every season we are in it is important that we are doing everything in our power to manifest into who God called each and everyone of us to be. It is a process, and it won't be easy. But God will not take his hands off of you!

After reading this, this is the challenge I would like to share with you all,

1. Think deep establish the people you need to forgive?

2. Acknowledge what those people did and how it made you feel?

3. Figure our what your anger is rooted in? What past pain is still present in your now?

4. Find scriptures to meditate on that will help heal those past pains? Tear down the lies that our past experiences tries to tell us.

Ex. Rejection in my past makes me feel like I am not wanted by anyone, but the word tells me that:

• Even if my mother and father forsake me the Lord holds me close.

• Jesus was rejected by men, but in the sight of our father he is precious and chosen. And because God is my father, I know I am precious in his eyes even if the World tells me I am not.

• God wants something deeper than just my body, and my deeds, he wants my heart and my soul. He wants every part of me good and bad. Not a lot of people in this world can say that about you, but he adores every part of me. And I cherish that about our relationship

I would love to hear back from you, subscribe and send me an email.

Scriptures you can meditate on:

Psalm 37:8

Refrain from Anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

Ephesians 4:26

Be angry and do not sin, don't let the sun go down on your anger.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

James 1:20

For the anger of man dow not produce the righteousness of God.