Moving from Anger to a Healthy Assertiveness

Moving from Anger to Healthy AssertivenessnLynette Hoy, NCC, LCPC nnAll of us have experienced anger. Some of us have cringed under the rage in our families, struggled with it in our souls, felt it toward our friends, co-workers and loved ones. Some of us have shocked others with volcanoes of anger. The evidence abounds that we live in a mad, mad, mad world.nnA recent study showed:nn23% of Americans openly express their anger.n39% say they hold it in or hide it.n23% say they walk away.n23% confess to having hit someone.n17% admit they have destroyed someone's property out of anger.*n* Study cited in What's Good About Anger?, by Lynette Hoy and Ted Griffin.nnWhat does the Bible say about anger?nnWhile anger is potentially harmful, the Bible contains examples of how God was able to accomplish His purpose through angry people.nnNehemiah writes about his angry reaction to social injustice in Nehemiah 5:6-7. He took positive action to confront oppressive officials in Israel and reverse injustice.nnPaul provides instructions regarding anger in Ephesians 4:25-6: "In your anger, do not sin.. do not let the sun go down on your anger."nnnPractical strategies for handling angernnWhen a co-worker says harshly: "You didn't let me know you were going to lunch early and I ended up taking all the calls!" or nwhen your boss states indignantly: "You didn't finish the contract and now, we've missed the deadline!" rather than lashing out in anger, and defensiveness or concealing your anger, you can pray for Christ to help you respond with a gentle answer, and assertiveness such as:nn..."I am sorry that you had so many calls while I was gone. I did mention to you that I would be going to lunch early this morning. Any ideas on how we can avoid this situation in the future?" n..."Say more about the contract deadline please? I understood the deadline was tomorrow."nnWhen you are able to control your anger, it may help diffuse the other person's anger and promote respectful dialogue. Take a risk this week and ask God to turn your anger into a gentle assertiveness. nLearning strategies to overcome anger - a prime relationship enemy - will get you further down the road to success in all your relationships.