A Christian Perspective on Emotion and Faith
The Struggle with Emotions and Faith – The author recounts a difficult period during which a Christian counselor played a crucial role in restoring sanity and possibly even saving their lives. As a pastor facing immense hardships, the author grappled with bitterness, despair, and self-pity. The expectation to remain joyful in faith added guilt to these emotions. The counselor, however, offered a liberating perspective: emotions are neither good nor bad—they simply exist.
Anger vs. Disappointment with God – A key point of discussion between the author and their counselor was anger, particularly anger toward God. The counselor believed the author harbored unacknowledged fury at God, a common struggle for believers in times of suffering. However, the author disagreed. Rather than anger, they felt disappointment. They never assumed God was obligated to intervene but were disheartened that He could have helped and chose not to. While they harbored anger toward people, they insisted there was no resentment toward God—only a sense of letdown.
The Dual Dangers of Anger – Reflecting on anger from a broader perspective, the author acknowledges that it is a natural and even biblical emotion. Jesus, the apostles, and even God Himself displayed anger. Certain injustices—such as child abuse, exploitation, and oppression—warrant righteous indignation. The real problem, however, lies in how humans handle anger.
People typically mismanage anger in two ways:
1. Denial – Suppressing anger under the guise of peacekeeping, allowing it to fester internally and enabling harmful behaviors in others.
2. Overindulgence – Allowing anger to take over, leading to self-righteousness, unchecked rage, and destructive actions toward others.
Anger as a Mask for Deeper Pain – The author resonates with a devotional by Richard Rohr, which suggests that most anger stems from deep sadness. Many people lash out not from pure fury but from unresolved hurt, rejection, or fear. This aligns with the idea that “hurt people hurt people.” By analyzing anger honestly, individuals can uncover its origins, often rooted in pain or insecurity.
Transforming Anger into a Force for Good – Rather than suppressing or indulging anger, the author advocates self-reflection and spiritual guidance. When properly channeled, anger can catalyze positive change, motivate social reform, improve personal relationships, and foster compassion. By allowing God’s spirit to soften and guide their emotions, believers can turn anger into a force for virtue rather than vice.
(Source: Faith On View)
