Welcome to Mondays @ Soul Survival. Each week I feature a book that I consider a valuable resource. This week’s selection is Uprooting Anger: Biblical Help for a Common Problem by Robert D. Jones.

 

Anger, who hasn’t experienced it. We call it by different names like frustration, upset, hurt. Doing so makes us feel better about it or minimize it in some way.

Jesus had a different view. He didn’t minimize it. In fact, He showed us it’s a serious heart issue.

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (Matt. 5.21-22).

Murder and anger come from the same sinful heart condition. I may not pull out a gun, but I can murder with my words, attitudes, and actions.

Because it’s a heart condition, it’s not enough to simply decide to quit exploding or giving someone else the silent treatment. While we may be able to grit our teeth and stuff those feelings for a while, sooner or later they erupt someplace else.

So how can we attack anger at its root, in the heart? Robert Jones has given us a guide. He begins:

There will be no thorough and lasting godly change without root removal. Moralistic efforts to be patient with your co-workers won’t cut it. Regret-riddled resolutions to stop yelling at your kids won’t last. You must rip out those angry roots.

He goes on:

This book is written for the average reader who recognizes that anger is a too-frequent issue in his life and a too-prevalent problem in his family, work, and church relationships.

Mr. Jones defines anger and explains the differences between sinful anger and righteous anger. The heart of the book helps us understand that the roots of sinful anger don’t come from our circumstances, but from our inner beliefs and motives.

The book is full of practical helps for dealing with anger. It provides a 3-step strategy that can, not only, help us personally, but can be a guide for helping others by addressing the situation, the heart, and the behavior.  It explains how motives and beliefs must be changed, as well as, correcting sinful expressions of anger.

Mr. Jones ends his introduction with this encouragement:

Whether you tend to simmer or strike out, whether you implode or explode, there is biblical help for you. Jesus died and rose to help you uproot ungodly anger.

I often use this book in counseling. It’s easy to read, practical, and most importantly, life-changing for those who will read it and apply its truths and principles.

Blessings,
Donna

 

Quotations taken from:
Jones, Robert D. Uprooting Anger: Biblical Help for a Common Problem (2005), P & R Publishing.

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