Normally when I hit the gym its all very normal. I go through my different exercise routines: do a set, feel the burn, do another set, continue to feel the burn, then do my third set, and then on to the next exercise.
One day in particular was different. I went to the gym angry about a couple of things.
Surprisingly, the anger actually helped me focus on my exercise routine more clearly than usual.
Usually we don’t think of anger in a positive context. The Bible has a lot to say about anger and the problems that come with it. James 1:20 reads, ”because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
But also, the Bible describes anger that is approved, often called “righteous indignation”. Mark 3:5 describes Jesus as being angry because of the stubborn hearts of the people.
Focused anger actually has good benefits, if used for the right reasons. Below are four benefits of focused anger:
1. Focused anger…well… keeps you focused. When you are angry, you are focused on that one issue that made you angry in the first place. But it can also spill over to other issues you are facing at the moment.
2. Gives you strength. Focused anger will help you push through. It will give you that extra burst of energy to go through the problems facing you.
3. Allows for clearer thinking. If you slow down and start thinking about what you were angry about, you can put things into perspective. When you are angry it’s not a time to act, it’s actually a time to reflect before you act.
Which leads me to number 4 below:
4. Focused anger actually helps you make decisions. In my case I decided to go the gym. It’s not good to make rash decisions when you are angry. After you have thought through the issue clearly, the decision that you make will be practical, well-thought through, and less of an emotional decision.
How have you used focused-anger for the good?
Juan, great post here. I used this focused Anger to help more people see Jesus. There is so much evil in the world that we need to be angry against it. I also use it to fight debt and help others join my fight to create more debt free families. Great post here Juan.
Lincoln, no better use of anger than to help others see more of Jesus. It should make us angry that people are lost and hurting, and then do something about it with God’s help to bring him glory. Thanks for sharing.
Great ways to use anger. Same place in the Bible it says, “In your anger do not sin.” The challenge is to control the emotion of anger so it produces good or at least not bad:)
Dan, exactly to not sin and use it to bring God glory. Thanks for sharing.
Juan,
Ha! Being a woman I am extremely emotional and most times react by how I feel (Bad!). I’ve created healthier outlets when I’m frustrated, bitter, and angry. I also go to the gym and sometimes I write or help other people. It allows me to focus less on self and more on others. I also talk to people. The gym manager and I talk often about everyday life and it helps takes the stress off by entering another person’s story or just hearing about their day.
More importantly, I take it to God. While driving to the gym or to work, God and I have a heart to heart and He hears it all. God isn’t surprised by our emotions (anger, hurt, frustration, etc), He gave them to us. I trust Him with my feelings than doing something regrettable with them towards another person.
Great and timely post.
Julie, those are awesome ways to use “anger” for the good. We have anger against injustice, or sin, it should lead us to do something positive with it, i.e. talk to others about Jesus, be an example of righteousness. Thanks for sharing. God bless.
I think the trick is recognizing you are angry, and therefore not thinking in the same frame of mind you normally would. You actually have to take that moment to pause, and decide how you are going to use the anger. I agree, we can focus our anger to accomplish good things – but it is very easy for anger to turn into a sharp word toward a spouse or something else negative. Great stuff…thanks!
Tom there is a fine line between using anger for good and bad. We must recognize that fine line. Because the word “anger”carries such a negative thoughts behind it, we must recognize that something good can be made with “anger”. Thanks for sharing.