Jesus, I Want to Love You Part 2Sample

Read Mark 3:5.

EXAMINING PERSONAL ANGER

Take a moment to meditate on these Scriptures. Reflect on how Jesus dealt with His anger. What did He do—or not do?

Think about a situation you’ve experienced like those described below. How did you respond in each situation?

Someone really hurt your feelings.
Someone frustrated your plans.
Someone you love ignores you or treats you like you really don’t matter.
Someone completely cut in front of you.
Someone lied to you.
Someone betrayed your trust.

Do you see any patterns in your responses or in the circumstances that tend to set you off? What do you do with your anger when it’s something pretty serious or something that happens repeatedly? Now honestly answer these questions: Are you angry with anyone? Is there any bitterness in your heart? Is there someone you try to avoid? Is there anyone who causes your defenses to go up?

Know that you are not alone. Many of us struggle with anger. Anger in itself is not a bad thing (if it is a righteous anger), but how we deal with it is what really matters. I want to share the testimony of a woman who is in the process of working through her anger. I pray it will serve as an encouragement.

“In my recent years as a Christian, I know I have prayed about angry feelings I have had toward a particular person or circumstance, but what I am realizing is many times one or two prayers are not enough. I must continually go before the throne of grace and trade my anger in for the fruit of the Spirit. We have to constantly battle the temptation to hold onto it, dwell on it, justify it, etc. A stronghold usually has erected itself over many, many years of wrongful thinking or wrongful actions. Therefore, it takes persevering again and again and again in prayer for a renewing of the mind to take place. You have to battle it out in prayer . . .”

I believe that we all struggle with anger at some point or another. This precious woman is not the only one dealing with anger. I encourage you to really take this to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to reveal if you also are holding onto any anger. Carry it through in prayer and do not give up until it is finished.