October 6th, 2025
by Kerry Harper
by Kerry Harper
**Understanding Anger: A Journey from Hostility to Healing**
Good morning, readers.
Today, I embark on a personal and poignant journey that many of us may relate to: understanding and managing anger. It's a place I never expected to find myself—standing before you, sharing insights on a subject that has profoundly impacted my life.
For years, I considered myself a high-spirited individual. Yet, through studying God's Word and some invaluable counseling sessions, I realized "high-spirited" was a mere cop-out. It was a mask over a life dominated by anger, an emotion we often mishandle, risking the joy and relationships we cherish.
From childhood, I was the enforcer in my family, the protector in tough neighborhoods. This environment shaped my aggressive approach to conflicts—physical fights and confrontations were almost the norm. It became a family legacy of sorts, passed down through generations without realizing the potential damage. In time, this role led me to a low point, facing legal troubles that threatened my future.
Yet, amidst the chaos, God intervened. It was only after the storm that I recognized His hand in my redemption. I was saved, familiar with Christ, but I had veered off the narrow road. The military compounded my tendency towards anger, but that too was temporary. It wasn’t until I sought answers—God’s answers—that I began to understand the true nature of anger.
One of the profound realizations was that anger, in itself, is not sinful. The Bible offers insights into how Jesus and God displayed righteous anger. Anger becomes sinful in our lives when mishandled. The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:26, "Be angry and do not sin." This distinction between anger and the actions it provokes is crucial.
Anger is often a learned response. My upbringing taught me to retaliate physically. However, understanding more about God's expectations has revealed a different approach. While anger dwells within us—a reaction to others' behavior—how we choose to express it can align with God's righteousness or our sinful tendencies.
When I reflect on my history with anger, it's intertwined with regret and sadness. Memories of past transgressions aren’t something I cherish; they remind me of times I brought shame to my family and my faith. The Bible constantly warns against the misuse of anger, urging us towards peace and self-control.
Proverbs repeatedly speaks against quick tempers and foolish actions, underscoring the value of patience and understanding. It's a profound lesson—anger should drive us to address underlying issues constructively rather than destructively.
Anger, as I’ve come to understand, is both an instinctive and learned response. At its core, it is an emotional reaction to perceived offenses or injustices. This reaction, when properly addressed, can serve as a God-given alarm, guiding us to resolve conflicts in a Christlike manner. It’s a call to lean into God’s wisdom, to embody patience and empathy.
In conclusion, this journey of understanding anger isn't just personal—it's universal. Whether anger is an occasional visitor or a familiar companion, scripture offers us a path to navigate it. It's imperative we align with God’s methods, not letting secular definitions dictate our responses.
Next week, I will delve further into this topic with you. Until then, let us strive to be ambassadors of Christ, representing His peace and wisdom in every emotion we express.
Blessings to you all.
Kerry Harper
Good morning, readers.
Today, I embark on a personal and poignant journey that many of us may relate to: understanding and managing anger. It's a place I never expected to find myself—standing before you, sharing insights on a subject that has profoundly impacted my life.
For years, I considered myself a high-spirited individual. Yet, through studying God's Word and some invaluable counseling sessions, I realized "high-spirited" was a mere cop-out. It was a mask over a life dominated by anger, an emotion we often mishandle, risking the joy and relationships we cherish.
From childhood, I was the enforcer in my family, the protector in tough neighborhoods. This environment shaped my aggressive approach to conflicts—physical fights and confrontations were almost the norm. It became a family legacy of sorts, passed down through generations without realizing the potential damage. In time, this role led me to a low point, facing legal troubles that threatened my future.
Yet, amidst the chaos, God intervened. It was only after the storm that I recognized His hand in my redemption. I was saved, familiar with Christ, but I had veered off the narrow road. The military compounded my tendency towards anger, but that too was temporary. It wasn’t until I sought answers—God’s answers—that I began to understand the true nature of anger.
One of the profound realizations was that anger, in itself, is not sinful. The Bible offers insights into how Jesus and God displayed righteous anger. Anger becomes sinful in our lives when mishandled. The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:26, "Be angry and do not sin." This distinction between anger and the actions it provokes is crucial.
Anger is often a learned response. My upbringing taught me to retaliate physically. However, understanding more about God's expectations has revealed a different approach. While anger dwells within us—a reaction to others' behavior—how we choose to express it can align with God's righteousness or our sinful tendencies.
When I reflect on my history with anger, it's intertwined with regret and sadness. Memories of past transgressions aren’t something I cherish; they remind me of times I brought shame to my family and my faith. The Bible constantly warns against the misuse of anger, urging us towards peace and self-control.
Proverbs repeatedly speaks against quick tempers and foolish actions, underscoring the value of patience and understanding. It's a profound lesson—anger should drive us to address underlying issues constructively rather than destructively.
Anger, as I’ve come to understand, is both an instinctive and learned response. At its core, it is an emotional reaction to perceived offenses or injustices. This reaction, when properly addressed, can serve as a God-given alarm, guiding us to resolve conflicts in a Christlike manner. It’s a call to lean into God’s wisdom, to embody patience and empathy.
In conclusion, this journey of understanding anger isn't just personal—it's universal. Whether anger is an occasional visitor or a familiar companion, scripture offers us a path to navigate it. It's imperative we align with God’s methods, not letting secular definitions dictate our responses.
Next week, I will delve further into this topic with you. Until then, let us strive to be ambassadors of Christ, representing His peace and wisdom in every emotion we express.
Blessings to you all.
Kerry Harper
Posted in Christian living, Free Grace, Witnessing
Posted in Emotions, Christian Living, Hope, Kerry Harper
Posted in Emotions, Christian Living, Hope, Kerry Harper
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