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'SHADOW BOXING'

We have all, at various times. given shelter in our heart to what we condemn in others. This is called 'shadow boxing'.

'Shadow boxing refers to all that is within us that we don't know.' ~ anon. Anger is one such 'loud' vice.  

Jesus, just as He began ministry taught (note - therefore the priority of it) yank the forest from your eye before you reach for the splinter in another's. (see Matthew 7:3-8) Anger is circular, for anger invites reciprocity. The person who returns accusations at the angry is blind to the identical flaw.

Please note too, in the temple cleansing incidents Jesus was NOT angry. Of the four Gospel accounts three do not describe Jesus' mood at all, but 'zealous' is recorded in John 2:17.

Simply put, 'anger is trying to control another without controlling yourself'. Anger too often marinates within and then erupts quite surprisingly.

Twelve verses to keep you from shadow boxing:

  1. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds search your hearts and be silent. Psalm 4:4
  2. Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with someone easily angered. Proverbs 22:24
  3. patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:8-9
  4. Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28
  5. Mockers stir up a city, but a wise man turns away anger. Proverbs 29:8
  6. He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3
  7. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:11
  8. Calmness can lay great errors to rest. Ecclesiastes 10:4
  9. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8
  10. Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32
  11. every fool is quick to quarrel. Proverbs 20:3b
  12. a hot-tempered man must pay the penalty… Proverbs 19:9a

Of most importance is Ephesians 4:27:

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no foothold to the devil.

To justify anger that leads to sin, is to simply sin again.

Posted in Discipleship; Tagged #anger;