Apr. 2013 Summer 2014 | Page 25

not express the anger. We don’t want others to think negatively of us. We’re taught anger is a bad thing, or that we’re a bad person somehow for being angry. That is just not true. But in order to keep anger in its proper place, I have to first remember that my anger is only the response to the primary emotion. If I can recall what the original emotion is, I can assess where the anger initially came from. Only then can I begin to understand why I feel angry. If I’m able to look at the situation objectively, I may come to the conclusion that I didn’t need to get angry in the first place. This is where we begin to mature as Christians, by becoming more self-aware. We understand that while our emotions are valid, we are not to live by them and allow them to dictate our actions, and hinder our emotional well-being. Please hear me, it is absolutely essential that we learn to let go of the anger issues that plague our bodies, minds, and our spirits. It is impossible to walk in victory and live with anger. They cancel each other out. Choosing to live with unresolved anger means choosing the circumstances that may come with it – the mental stress, and the physical discomfort and pain as well. If the matter is left unresolved, there’s the risk of alienating yourself from loved ones, and damaging personal relationships in the long-term. Inward anger must be sought out and destroyed before it destroys you. We have seen the consequences of living with inward anger. There are physical (body), psychological/emotional (mind), and spiritual (spirit) consequences. We understand that not everyone living with illness or a disorder is harboring anger issues. However, if you are chronically suffering in your body, mind or spirit, perhaps you should take a moment to personally reflect and see if anything mentioned here applies to you. We’re not talking about an ordinary headache, or occasional slip of the tongue. We’re talking about an ongoing issue that stays with you. If your friends and loved ones are always reminding you that you have a sharp tongue, it’s time to swallow pride and listen. Or even worse, if you’re alienating everyone around you, and spending a lot of time isolated from family and friends, please pay attention. If you are constantly self-medicating in some way to relieve symptoms so you can function, or maybe you’re barely functioning at all,