ANGER
Definition: A strong feeling of displeasure or hostility. A biological response to frustration, hurt or fear.
Brief Explanation:
Everyone becomes angry at times, but it is expressed in either healthy or unhealthy ways. Bill was a preacher who had a problem with rage. Due to his great insecurity, whenever he performed at a less than perfect way, he would rage at himself, or if someone disagreed with him on something, mostly minor issues, he would scream and threaten. Of course, he did not just need anger management, that is, help in learning healthy ways of expressing anger, but he needed to repent and seek help for his lack of emotional security, coming into a fuller understanding of his identity being in Christ and not in his own competence. Angry words can be most damaging to children and spouses, church members and friends.
The Word of God:
Proverbs 29:11
“A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.”
Matthew 5:21, 22
“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca,” shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, “You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”
Ephesians 4:26, 27
“Be Angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.”
ABUSE
Definition: To use wrongly or improperly; misuse: abuse alcohol; abuse a privilege. Also, to hurt or injure by maltreatment; ill-use. Another definition would be to force sexual activity on; rape or molest; to assail with contemptuous, coarse, or insulting words; revile.
Brief Explanation:
Sadly, abuse is often found in families in the church, and the church is a microcosm of the world, though forgiven. Many patterns of family life, previous abuse or neglect, occurring before salvation are brought with the believer into the church, and can be acted on. When physical, sexual or emotional abuse occurs, whether towards child or spouse, safety must be considered first. God’s word speaks to the harm of abuse, and God’s ability to forgive and heal. For more, see Family Violence: Patterns of Destruction by Dr. DeKoven.
The Word of God:
Psalm 34:4, 5
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces shall never be ashamed.”
1 Peter 5:7
“…casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.”
Psalm 42:11
“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God.”
Genesis 6:11
“How the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
Luke 3:14
“And some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.”
Well, I think you are getting the idea…a couple more samples are on their way, in the next blog.
COMPASSION
Definition: Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.
Brief Explanation:
Compassion is love in action. Jesus was frequently moved with compassion on behalf of someone, releasing His power on behalf of another. It is still a key to the counseling process, and ministry in general. To be compassionate is to care deeply for another, communicated in empathy, warmth and respect, and which, unlike pity, shows the client that you care, and have every belief that with God and them, they can overcome.
The Word of God:
Matthew 9:36
“And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.
Luke 7:13
“And when the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her. ‘Do not weep.’ ”
Colossians 3:12
“And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…”
1Peter 3:8
“To sum it up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted and humble in spirit.”
James 1:27
“This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
Until next time….
Dr. Stan…
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