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The Spiritual Root of Anger – Viral Believer
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The Spiritual Root of Anger

Introduction

As humans, we all experience a range of emotions, including anger. Anger is a powerful emotion that can be difficult to manage, and if left unchecked, it can have a negative impact on our lives and relationships.

While there are various psychological and physiological causes of anger, it is essential to understand its spiritual roots.

As Christians, we believe that our spiritual health is just as important as our physical and emotional well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the spiritual causes of anger and how we can overcome them.

The Bible talks about anger as a common human emotion, but it also portrays anger as a destructive force that can lead to sin, conflict, and damage to relationships.

While anger, in itself, is not a sin, it is the actions that follow the emotion that can lead to sin. Therefore, as Christians, we must recognize the spiritual roots of anger, including pride, unmet expectations, and fear, and seek to overcome them through surrendering to God, practicing humility, and forgiveness.

In this blog post, we will explore the spiritual roots of anger in more detail and how we can manage and overcome it. We will also discuss the practical steps we can take to manage our anger and how we can deal with anger in our relationships with others.

Our goal is to gain a deeper understanding of anger from a spiritual perspective and to learn how we can live a life that is pleasing to God.

anger in the Bible

The Biblical View of Anger

The Bible talks about anger as a common human emotion. However, it also portrays anger as a destructive force that can lead to sin, conflict, and damage to relationships. Anger, in itself, is not a sin, but it is the actions that follow the emotion that can lead to sin.

James 1:19-20 says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” This passage highlights the importance of being slow to anger.

The Spiritual Roots of Anger

While anger is a natural emotion, its root causes are often spiritual in nature. The Bible teaches that the primary spiritual cause of anger is pride. Proverbs 13:10 says, “By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.”

When we are proud, we think that our opinions, desires, and goals are more important than others’. This pride leads to a sense of entitlement, and when things do not go as we desire, we become angry.

Another spiritual root of anger is an unmet expectation. When we have unrealistic or unmet expectations of others or ourselves, we can become angry when those expectations are not met. This anger can lead to bitterness and resentment towards those who did not meet our expectations, and ultimately towards God.

Fear is also a spiritual cause of anger. Fear of losing control, fear of failure, or fear of harm can trigger anger. This fear can also cause us to take matters into our own hands and act out of anger, leading to sin and harm.

In addition to pride, unmet expectations, and fear, there are other spiritual roots of anger. For example, jealousy and envy can cause us to become angry when others have what we desire. We can also become angry when we feel unjustly treated or when we perceive injustice towards others.

These spiritual roots of anger can manifest in different ways and can have a significant impact on our lives.

Overcoming Anger

As Christians, we are called to overcome our anger and live a life that is pleasing to God. The first step in overcoming anger is to recognize its spiritual roots. We must acknowledge our pride, unmet expectations, fears, and other spiritual roots of anger, and surrender them to God.

James 4:7 says, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” When we submit to God, we can resist the devil’s temptation to become angry and sin.

We can also overcome anger by seeking humility. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”

When we humble ourselves and consider others’ needs, we are less likely to become angry when our expectations are not met.

Finally, we must practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is not condoning the wrongdoing, but it is releasing the offender from the burden of guilt and bitterness. Forgiveness frees us from the grip of anger and allows us to move forward.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Forgiveness is a crucial step in overcoming anger. It allows us to release the pain caused by others and move on. It frees us from the burden of carrying anger and resentment, which can lead to bitterness and other negative emotions.

Forgiveness is not an easy task, but with God’s help, it is possible. When we forgive, we are following Christ’s example, who forgave us despite our sins.

Another way to overcome anger is through prayer. When we pray, we are communicating with God, who has the power to change our hearts and minds. We can ask God to help us control our emotions and to guide us towards a righteous path.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

When we pray, we are inviting God’s peace to fill our hearts and minds, which can help us overcome anger.

Dealing with Anger in Relationships

Anger can have a significant impact on our relationships with others. It can lead to conflict, misunderstanding, and broken relationships. However, as Christians, we are called to love and forgive others, even when they hurt us.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

When dealing with anger in relationships, it is important to communicate honestly and openly. When we suppress our anger, it can lead to resentment, which can be harmful to relationships.

However, we must communicate in a way that is respectful and non-judgmental. We should avoid attacking the other person and instead focus on expressing how their actions made us feel.

We should also seek to understand the other person’s perspective. When we empathize with others, we can see things from their point of view and become more understanding. This can help reduce anger and promote forgiveness and reconciliation.

Practical Steps In Overcoming The Root Of Anger

It is important to note that overcoming anger is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. We will face situations that trigger our anger, and we must be prepared to handle them in a way that honors God.

It is also important to remember that we are not alone in this process. God has given us the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to overcome anger and live a life that reflects God’s love and grace.

In addition to seeking God’s help, there are practical steps we can take to manage our anger. One of these steps is to practice self-care. When we are tired, hungry, or stressed, our emotions can be more intense, making it easier to become angry.

Therefore, it is essential to take care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, such as getting enough rest, eating healthy, and spending time in prayer and meditation.

Another step is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment or distraction.

When we practice mindfulness, we become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, allowing us to respond rather than react to situations. This can help us control our anger and make better decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anger is a complex emotion that has various psychological, physiological, and spiritual causes. As Christians, we must recognize the spiritual roots of anger, including pride, unmet expectations, fear, jealousy, and envy.

We must also seek to overcome anger by submitting to God, practicing humility, and forgiveness. When we surrender our anger to God, He can transform our hearts and minds, leading us towards a life that is pleasing to Him.

Dealing with anger in relationships can be challenging, but with God’s help, it is possible. Communication, empathy, and forgiveness are essential components of healthy relationships.

As we strive to overcome anger and live a life that is pleasing to God, we can experience His peace and joy, which surpasses all understanding.

In conclusion, managing anger is an essential part of living a healthy and fulfilling life. As Christians, we must recognize the spiritual roots of anger and seek to overcome them through surrendering to God, practicing humility, and forgiveness.

We must also take practical steps to manage our anger, such as self-care and mindfulness. When we manage our anger in a healthy way, we can experience God’s peace and joy, and we can be a positive influence on those around us. May God help us to overcome our anger and to love others as He loves us.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.