The Weight of Your Words
Measuring the impact of what you say.
Joseph M Stowell
10. Patience Applied
1. As we discussed last week, some anger can be justified. When does this anger step over the line and become wrong?
2. Can anyone remember from last week’s lesson why patience is the appropriate response to anger?
3. What are some forms of anger management therapy that psychologists/self help books champion as being the right answer to anger?
What do they often miss?
Some therapists have suggested venting anger (hitting pillows, screaming when alone etc.) as being a way to treat excessive anger. However, recent studies have shown people who are prone to vent their rage tended to become more, and not less, angry. Why is this so?
Redirecting Our Focus
4. Stowell outlines 5 steps in the development of anger. Look these over and discuss how one leads into another.
Fret
Envy (Jealousy)
Anger (“Slow burn”)
Wrath (Explosion)
Evil (Revenge)
5. Read Ps 37:1-7. From these 7 verses Stowell has come up with five steps that redirect our focus from the source of anger to God? Can you pick them out?
6. Read the following … how can they help us refocus our anger?
Genesis 18:25
Romans 12:19
James 1:2-4
Redirecting Our Energies
7. “Using the energy that comes with anger for constructive resolution.” Stowell describes three ways to redirect our energy. Why does each of these work?
Positive actions towards source of anger (see Eph 4:31-32)? What kind of positive actions can you think of?
Honest communication with the one who has hurt us. Describe what to do and what not to do.
Exhaustion Reaction (Physical activity that can positively redirect energy). What types of activity would be good to engage in?