King Uzziah was struck with leprosy because of his sinful arrogance (see 2 Chronicles 26:16-19). Connected to that pride was explosive anger. Uzziah lashed out at the priests who tried to help him see the error of his ways.
Uzziah learned too late that explosive, angry behavior is never constructive. It not only hurts the person to whom it is directed, but it destroys the self-esteem of the perpetrators who are out of control. In the heat of such angry explosions, people say and do things they later regret. Undisciplined anger that expresses itself in verbal and physical explosions will ultimately destroy relationships. The person on the receiving end loses respect for the person who is out of control and will eventually just avoid them.
Some years ago, it was a popular belief in certain psychological circles that releasing anger by aggressive behavior could be a positive way of processing anger. Angry people were encouraged to take their aggression out on pillows or golf balls. However, research now indicates that the venting of angry feelings with such aggressive behaviors does not drain a person's anger but makes the person more likely to be explosive in the future. Explosion, whether verbal or physical, is not an acceptable way of handling one's anger.
Take time to pray and ask God to make known to you the people who have been hurt by your anger so that you may make amends. Ask Him to give you the wisdom and self-control to express your anger in a way that honors Him.
Discuss and reflect on these questions:
How would you respond to someone who argued that some people are born with fiery tempers and that there's nothing wrong with it?
What's the worst thing your anger has ever caused you to do?
What can your spouse do to help you keep your anger in check? How can you help your spouse?
Consider these passages for further study on anger:
Psalm 37:8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
Matthew 5:21-24
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
2 Chronicles 26:16-19
But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 Azariah the priest with eighty other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in. 18 They confronted King Uzziah and said, “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the Lord God.”
19 Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy[a] broke out on his forehead.
Great thoughts of Gary Chapman. Anger is an emotion we all have and knowing ways to use it effectively can build relationships stronger. Knowing how to manage and learn from others can make you a stronger person. Pray for the extreme times when you need this strength to make sure you are making wise decisions when your emotions are high.