Article: Understanding Anger

by Candace N. Bennett

| Symptoms of Anger |

     There are many symptoms of anger; physical, emotional, and spiritual (Hunt, 2013, p.24). The physical symptoms are as follows: blurred vision, headaches, heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, intestinal disorders, overeating, and stomach disorders (Hunt, 2013, p.24). According to Clinton and Hawkins, the emotional symptoms vary, these symptoms could include; criticism, sarcasm, gossip, meanness, impatience, being demanding, withholding love, and refusing to forgive” (Clinton & Hawkins, 2009, p.40). As Hunt stated Anger can be identified by assessing one’s spiritual health as well. The symptoms of anger in spiritual health are, loss of confidence, faith, perspective, sensitivity, and loss of vision (Hunt, 203, p.24). If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, it is possible that you are dealing with unresolved anger. 

What is Anger

According to June Hunt, “anger is a strong emotion of irritation or agitation that occurs when a need or expectation is not met”(Hunt, 2013, p.9). However, there are magnitudes of anger, from “controlled irritations to uncontrolled eruptions. However, we must understand that simply experiencing the emotion of anger is not sinful. If we misuse anger, then it could cause us to sin. Hunt expresses that prolonged, pressed-down, provoked, and profuse anger are the misuse of anger. According to Ed Chinn, “[Paul] was realistic. After all, anger is part of life; just don’t let it carry you into sin. In these passages and many others, the Bible is basically saying to lead a balanced life”(Chinn, 2007). 

We are created in the image of God, and a part of reflecting His image is to have emotions that we can express (Genesis 1:27, NIV). The bible gives us many descriptions of those that have expressed anger. According to Chinn, "The Bible is more real than it is religious. It portrays real people and speaks to real life situations. It is only the centuries of stained-glass culture which has turned it into religion" (Chinn, 2007). God has given us all emotions to navigate life and connect with others. Depending on how these emotions are used, they can help to either strengthen or weaken our chances for healthy relationships. 

Causes of Anger

Emotional hurt is one of the main causes of Anger. Hurt is a sign that your heart is wounded. Of course, we are not referring to the physical heart, but when we refer to the heart we are referring to ones deeply held values and perspectives. With healthy hearts, we are able “to be open with others and collaborate with those around us” (Peterson, 2015, p.21, 25). A healthy heart expresses that “I do not know everything”. The healthy heart is also able to “be confident both in owning our views and remaining open to the views of others” (Peterson, 2015, p.21). When we experience hurt it makes us feel like our values and views have been crossed. Therefore the root of hurt that leads to anger is the “wrong premise about rights…[wrong belief] says, when I am heart, fearful, frustrated, or treated unfairly, I have the right to be angry until the situation changes” (Hunt, 2013, p.43).

How to resolve Anger

God’s goals for anger is to achieve His purposes for abundant living and healthy relationships (Hunt, 2013, p.88-90). Here are four steps to resolving anger; see, delay, control, and settle it (Clinton & Hawkins, 2009, p.43-45). See the causes of your anger and your symptoms. Delay your reaction by quickly finding a healthy thing to do that helps decrease the intensity of the anger, before expressing what angered you. This could also include venting to a trusted friend and asking for constructive advice. James instructs that a soft answer turns away wrath (Jas. 1:19, NASB; Prov. 15:1, KJV). Control the anger by finding healthy ways to express it, such as, respond; don’t react; confront to restore, not to destroy; empathize; and surrender the right for revenge (Clinton & Hawkins, 2009, p. 44). The last step is to settle the unresolved anger. Settling the unresolved anger does not mean to get rid of anger, because there is healthy or righteous anger (Eph. 4:26; ESV). Settling anger means to settle uncontrolled anger, because God wants us to grow spiritually as we walk after the Spirit and not the flesh to achieve God’s goal for anger. (Gal 5:16-26; ESV).

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References

Chinn, E. (2007, February 1). When your anger gets the best of you. Retrieved from Focus on the   Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/when-your-anger-gets-the-best-of-you/

Clinton, T., & Hawkins, R. (2009). The quick reference guide: biblical counseling. Grand rapids: Baker publishing groups.

Hunt, J. (2013). Anger: facing the fire within. Torrance: Hope for the heart.

Petersen, J. C. (2015). Why don't we listen better?: communicating & connecting in relationships. Portland: Petersen Publications.