Winning in the Arena of Emotion

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

10/22/2000

Our opponent is anger.

• Anger is energy that is focused. It can rally you the right way or the wrong way.
• Three specific types of anger:
  • Righteous anger - right reaction, right response
  • Misplaced anger - right reaction, wrong response
  • Problematic anger - wrong reaction, wrong response
• From anger to angry -- why?
  • Angry people come from angry families.
  • Angry people come from wounded backgrounds.
  • Angry people are often "control freaks" using anger for protection or gain.
  • Angry people have serious, unmet expectations and feel trapped.
  • Angry people are most often men.
• Action points for taking the gold:
  • For those who are angered
    • Don't go hot or cold, learn to express yourself directly.
    • Listen and be willing to forgive.
    • Be quick about it.
    • Memorize Eph 4:25-27
  • For those who stay angry
    • Admit you have an anger problem.
    • Find the root cause.
    • Be courageous and willing to change whatever behavior fuels that anger.
    • Enlist the support of others.
    • Ask for God's help.

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