#39 Uprooting Anger by Robert D. Jones, 2005.

Happy Anniversary to me!

And Thomas R.

Of course.

On this day, 36 years ago, we got married at Mount Paran Church of God in Atlanta. I was blessed that day and still am. Who knew my heart would finally get it right?

Tom asked me to read this book. I don’t think it’s because he thinks I’m an angry woman. I don’t think I’m an angry woman. But then again, I’ve had my moments. I trust they are fewer the older I get.

This blog is for him. I think he wanted me to read the book because he wanted my take on it.

Here it is: Great book.

Love where the author goes in regard to the root of anger, and what to do about it.

Spoiler alert: Lots and lots of repentance is necessary. And just when you think your anger may be the so-called righteous type – the author thinks we’re probably kidding ourselves there.

Here are some of my favorite take-aways from the book …

Anger is something we do, not something we have.

Anger is complex. It comprises the whole person and encompasses our whole package of beliefs, feelings, actions and desires. (p 15)

Anger’s causal core lies in our active hearts (16).

… our anger arises from our value systems. It expresses our beliefs and motives. (17)

… nearly all human anger is sinful. (21)

Christlike anger is not all-encompassing and myopic but channeled to sober, earnest ends. Godly strains of mourning, comfort, joy, praise, and action balance it. (30)

What does cultivating Godly anger involve? Refocus your heart on God and his kingdom, rights, and concerns. Repent of your self-centered desires. Meditate on God’s actions and attributes. (43)

Anger, as God-playing, is of the worst moral evil. To repent of anger is to acknowledge God’s rightful and sole place as King over your entire world. (164)

One final thought from me: I love how the author relates self-control & patience (both fruits of the Spirit that I struggle with) to the issue of sinful anger. God help me.

OK, another final thought: You know how some folks say it is ok to be angry with God. This guy says, NO it is not. He says: “the root problem beneath our anger against God, is that we accuse him of injustice.”

A few chapters/verses in Scripture on the topic of anger: James 4; 1 Peter 2:11; Galatians 5:16-26; Proverbs 15:1, 18; 29:11; 16:32; 25:28; 12:18.