Sierra Vista Community Church
You Make Me Crazy
Part 2
James 4:1 HCSB
Proverbs 25:28 HCSB
Unhealthy Ways We Express Anger:
• We explode. Biblical example: Cain
“but He did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent. ... And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” (Genesis 4:5-8)
• We stonewall. Biblical example: Jeremiah
“I never sat with the band of revelers, and I did not celebrate with them … Why has my pain become unending, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?" (Jeremiah 15:17-18)
• We pout. Biblical example: The Prodigal’s Brother
“Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.” (Luke 15:28)
• We manipulate. Biblical example: Pharisees
“They, however, were filled with rage and started discussing with one another what they might do to Jesus.” (Luke 6:11)
Disarming Your “Button-Pushers”:
• Consider the cost of your anger.
“An angry man stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered man increases rebellion.” (Proverbs 29:22)
• Try to understand your button-pushers.
“A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11)
• Think it over before you react.
“Every sensible person acts knowledgeably, but a fool displays his stupidity.” (Proverbs 13:16)
• Focus on God’s opinion, not your button-pusher’s opinion.
“The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.” (Proverbs 29:25)
“The fear of human opinion disables you; but trusting in God protects you from that.” [Msg]
• Ask God for help.
“Lord, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)