We offer an approach goes far beyond anger control, violence or anger management classes. The solution is not to learn to control or manage our anger, but to transform it. This approach develops the habit of responding compassionately to situations and people that trigger anger reactions in us. When we act compassionately, we strengthen our connection to our loved one rather than in anger push them away. This approach breaks the cycle of resentment, anger and abuse. It frees us to embrace what it means to be beloved children of a loving Heavenly Father and able to love like Jesus.
We long to build up and not tear down those we love, to respond to them graciously and not hurtfully. Resentments we hold on to prevent us from being the kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving partners we truly want to be.
Resentment, anger, and abuse are infections of the heart. They attack the very foundation of our humanity, which is our ability to form bonds of compassion and love with the most important persons in our lives.
Ephesians 4:26, 27, 29 – 5: 2
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil…. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, alone with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Turning Resentment, Anger or Emotional Abuse into Compassion