Age of rage

Age of rage ∙∙

Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the heart of fools. – Ecclesiastes 7:9

Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

Proverbs 16:32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

Sales of antacids are on a steady rise. These remedies, which fall into two main categories – those that neutralize gastric acid like sodium bicarbonate and those that absorb acids such as calcium and magnesium salts- are commonly used to alleviate gastric discomfort. However, it’s crucial to understand that antacids only mask the symptoms; they do not address the root cause of gastric distress.

We live in what many call the “Age of Rage.” People everywhere are seething, simmering, and fuming internally, leading to an era marked by churning anger.

Tempers seem to be perpetually on edge, contributing to a surge in violent incidents. News feeds are filled with stories of violence triggered by sudden outbursts of anger. Individuals appear to be not just losing their tempers but also their sanity, committing senseless, brutal acts against colleagues, strangers, or even family members.

Does anyone want to appear foolish? Of course not. Yet, fools are recognized through their actions.

Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool. – Ecclesiastes 7:9

REFLECT & PRAY

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt (Mark Twain).

Father, teach me to cultivate and promote gentleness instead of anger.

INSIGHT

Anger often originates from our own actions. When we behave in ways that make us feel foolish or incompetent, it can result in self-directed anger, also known as internal anger. Conversely, anger can also be provoked by the actions of others, which is referred to as external anger.

Managing self-anger involves practicing self-acceptance and self-forgiveness. Embracing self-love, instead of harboring self-hatred, is a crucial step in this healing process.

External anger is frequently tied to difficult childhood experiences and inadequate parenting. When anger is sowed in a child’s heart, it grows into a bitter harvest of rage and wrath.

You reap what you sow,

More than you sow, and

Later than you sow (Stanley).

Hosea 8:7 They sow the wind, and so they will harvest the whirlwind!

Unresolved anger establishes a recurring pattern, a cycle of fury and rage that perpetuates itself across multiple generations.

Numbers 14:18 The LORD is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected – even children in the third and fourth generations.

Can this cycle be disrupted? Absolutely! By recognizing the issue(recognition), expressing remorse (repentance), and admitting one’s mistakes (confession), anyone caught in the cycle can break the generational curse.

For parents, the change begins with you. Acknowledging and responding to your children’s feelings and reactions is an essential part of parental responsibility.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

“Literally this means, do not provoke your children to anger so that they begin to seethe with resentment and irritation like sap swelling in a tree on a hot day” (Hughes).

The Greek word for “provoke” is parorgizo, which comes from para – by, beyond, near, toward, implying movement toward a certain point, and orgizo – to anger, irritate. Hence, parorgizo means to exasperate, provoke to anger, irritation, or resentment.

This command forbids placing unreasonable expectations on children in the everyday course of family life (Nelson). Such provocation can unnecessarily ignite a child’s anger. Research suggests that the leading cause of rage in teenagers is the lack of adequate guidance from their parents (Constable).

Feelings of resentment and irritation flourish in environments marked by irrationality, selfishness, faultfinding, nagging, neglect, severe and unfair punishment, threats, and inconsistency. These feelings are further exacerbated when parents fail to acknowledge their children’s efforts and accomplishments, instead berating them for never being good enough. Children, like tender shoots, can easily be crushed.

Is it possible to correct these mistakes? Can these wrongs be made right? Can steps be taken when irritated, frustrated children grow into wrathful, resentful, and angry adults?

When the Father intervenes, all things become possible, though not guaranteed. By inviting the Father to be at the center of our lives, wonderful transformations can occur. Acts of kindness, understanding, gentleness, and godly instruction often work wonders over time. A positive, supportive, and safe environment defined by love can make up for countless shortcomings (1 Peter 4:8).

Our heavenly Father deeply desires and actively works toward the restoration of shattered lives and relationships. Consider the parable of the prodigal son: the father eagerly anticipates his son’s return and, upon his arrival, forgives him completely. The father welcomes him with open arms and rejoices in his safe homecoming.

Luke 15:32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!

When God communicates, do we perceive Him as a forgiving or exacting Father, a close or distant Friend, a patient or impatient Teacher, a gentle or era Guide, a compassionate or unfeeling Counselor, a generous or hesitant Provider, or a faithful or inconsistent Sustainer? (Stanley)

What do other people hear when we speak?

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© Dr. H 2024