Anger: Facing the Fire Within

Hope for the Heart

by June Hunt

Biblical Counseling on Anger Management from Hope for the Heart
Has anger or rage ever clouded your judgment to the point that you acted rashly and then regretted it later? What do you do when you are inflamed with angry thoughts and feelings? Ultimately, you have the choice to act wisely or to react foolishly. You can learn to keep your anger under control with this practical advice from June Hunt.

Anger will shed light on the warning signs, or characteristics, of both acceptable and unacceptable anger. Learn the magnitude, misuse, and misconceptions of anger. Also included are biblical examples of anger. For example, an example of acceptable anger is when injustice ignited “righteous anger” in Jesus. Conversely, we find “unacceptable anger” in story of Saul and David, when King Saul’s jealous anger over David’s military victories burned like a fire, destroying many relationships including his relationship with God.

The last section, titled “Steps to Solution,” gives you the power to be freed from anger with various helps, steps, and a prayer.

Genres: Self Help

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2013

About the author

JUNE HUNT is founder of Hope for the Heart, a worldwide biblical counseling ministry, and hosts the award-winning radio program by the same name. Her numerous books include Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes, Healing the Hurting Heart, Bonding with Your Teen through Boundaries, and Hope for Your Heart.

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a comprehensive, Bible-based study! I learned a lot by reading this book. The scriptures, I grew up hearing. But some of the application activities were particularly helpful. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew more about anger and more about how I should (and could) be acting as a Christian. If you're looking for help defeating anger in your life, you might find this book useful.

[Mark Roossinck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, concise read on the subject of anger from a Biblical, phycological point-of-view.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short little 90 pager. Helps dig to the root of your anger step by step.

[Dawnita Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has walked me off of a ledge. My anger has been simmering but now I think it deserves an honest evaluation.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prolonged anger—the “simmering stew”—is held in for a long time. This anger is a result of an unforgiving heart toward a past offense and the offender. Unforgiveness left unresolved eventually results in resentment and bitterness, ultimately scalding close relationships.

Provoked anger—the “short fuse”—is quick and impatient, instantly irritated or incensed. A testy temper is often expressed using criticism or sarcasm under the guise of teasing, ultimately burning close relationships.

Appropriate actions express your thoughts and feelings with restraint, understanding, and concern for the other person’s welfare.

In searching your heart, decide that you will not use anger to try to get your needs met. Instead, repent and no longer look to others to meet your needs. Enter into a deeper dependence on the Lord to meet these God-given needs, because ...
“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)

That’s because unresolved anger produces bitterness. And bitterness is like a bed of hidden coals burning deep wounds into your soul and spirit, making rubble of your relationships. This thief of emotion snatches joy from your heart and steals peace from your spirit—it even robs your mind of reason.

Remember, “He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)

Forgiveness focuses on the offense, whereas reconciliation focuses on the relationship. Forgiveness requires no relationship.

* Forgiveness can be given by one person. Reconciliation requires at least two people.
* Forgiveness is extended in one direction. Reconciliation is reciprocal, involving a two-way direction.
* Forgiveness is a decision to release the offender. Reconciliation is the effort to rejoin the offender.
* Forgiveness involves a change in thinking about the offender. Reconciliation involves a change in behavior by the offender.
* Forgiveness is a free gift to the one who has broken trust. Reconciliation is a restored relationship based on restored trust.
* Forgiveness is extended even if it is never, ever earned. Reconciliation is offered to the offender because it has been earned.
* Forgiveness is unconditional, regardless of a lack of repentance.
* Reconciliation is conditional and is based on repentance.


“Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me.
Thank You for caring about me.
Since You know everything, You know the strong sense of
( hurt, injustice, fear, and/or frustration )
I have felt about ( name or situation ).
Thank You for understanding my anger.
Right now, I release all of my anger to You.
I trust You with my future and with me.
In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.”