Too Hot to Handle: Releasing Anger and Embracing Peace

Misunderstanding creates an opening for the enemy. We hold others captive, locking them into words and actions said and done in a moment of haste. In these instances, the pain remains. It is the reality of living among other imperfect people in a flawed and fallen world. While anger is not a sin, holding anger that is not aligned with the Father’s Heart can cause more pain. This anger is too hot to handle and therefore, dangerous to our heart condition.

When we hold anger, fear and pride bully us into silence. We don’t speak up to initiate the kind of heartfelt communication that leads to peace, freedom, and sometimes, reconciliation. Until our hearts find a resolution, we may nurse revenge fantasies, dreaming of opportunities to best those who injured us. Instead of affirming the personal value that was underestimated or overlooked, we seek to prove our worth.

Our hearts expose that we have unknowingly created an idol by focusing more on the other person than focusing on who God has been to us and what He has done.

Sometimes, we believe that we have moved on from an incident, yet we punish those closest to us for what someone else has done. The name, face, or circumstance may be different, but something familiar triggers. It keeps us entrenched in an old cycle. We lash out at those near to us now, but in truth, our anger is toward the one who first hurt us.

It may seem impossible and unlikely, but forgiveness will help us to disintegrate the stronghold that unresolved anger wields. When we withhold forgiveness, we deny our freedom. We insist on being the judge of justice in a situation that elevates our pain above Jesus.

In commanding us to forgive, God isn’t denying what was done to us. He beckons and welcomes us to surrender to His way, trusting that He sees, knows, and will bring about righteous justice in ways that will transform us and glorify Him.

The roots of anger, fear, and pain have anchored us into a place in our past. They keep us stuck and unable to move freely. Yet, we must remember that God battles the unseen enemies that contend with us. It can be difficult to remember, but our battle is not with people. This isn’t a flesh and blood fight, but rather against the principalities and demonic forces operating behind them and us as well (Ephesians 6:12).

For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. – Deuteronomy 20:4, NIV

These are the thieves of abundance that keep us embroiled in discord and hatred. Though the enemy wants to steal, kill, and destroy with what eclipses peace and joy, Jesus, our King lived, died, and rose to give more than the adversary attempts to take (John 10:10).

Walking in this kind of peace and freedom isn’t something we can do alone. It requires the work of the Holy Spirit, but seeking wise human counsel through this site will provide support and strategies. Make an appointment today to release the anger that may be too hot to hold in exchange for the peace that soothes and restores.