If you read this post or this one, you know that I am sharing a series of posts on what I gleaned from Beth Moore's Breaking Free Bible study. Those two posts give some more background information on my story and the tools I am using to have victory, so be sure to check them out if you are new here.
Today I want to share another set of lies I've believed that have contributed to my (slowly dissipating!!!) bondage to unrighteous anger. More importantly, I'll lay out the truths from the Word I'm using to combat those lies. Again, my prayer in sharing all this is that those who struggle with this sin will learn they are not alone, find boldness to bring their sin out into the light and learn how to break free (even as I am learning.) My ultimate goal is to give glory to the Son- for if He sets you free, you are FREE INDEED!
Today I want to share another set of lies I've believed that have contributed to my (slowly dissipating!!!) bondage to unrighteous anger. More importantly, I'll lay out the truths from the Word I'm using to combat those lies. Again, my prayer in sharing all this is that those who struggle with this sin will learn they are not alone, find boldness to bring their sin out into the light and learn how to break free (even as I am learning.) My ultimate goal is to give glory to the Son- for if He sets you free, you are FREE INDEED!
God has revealed these lies to me both during my daily quiet times and in the moments of stress when I felt anger building inside. I already mentioned the first category of lies I'm working on tearing down in this post. Here I'll explain the second category of lies I'm combatting. They have to do with anger, disciplining my children, love and grace. I know at first glance they don't seem to have much to do with each other but listen to how they sound in my head when anger builds. I think it will make sense how I've found they work together to contribute to unrighteous anger with my children:
- My children must obey me
- I must be firm and unyielding
- I need to come down harder on them
- They will respect me
An honest look at these lies revealed the following:
- While it is true that my children need to learn obedience and respect, a harsh, angry and unyielding response neglects to teach them about gentleness and grace
- Venting my anger at their disobedience or disrespect might make me feel powerful but it is foolishness, damaging and ineffective in changing their heart issues that are causing the problem in the first place
Here's what the Word has to say about my lies (for the sake of brevity, I'll list only the references here):
- James 1: 18-19
- Proverbs 15: 1
- Proverbs 29: 11
- Proverbs 10: 12
- Colossians 3:21
- Proverbs 14: 17
- Proverbs 29: 22
- Ephesians 4: 26
- Colossians 4: 6
- Ephesians 4: 29
- 1 Peter 4: 8
- 2 John 6
- Ezekiel 36: 26
- Proverbs 16: 24
- Proverbs 16: 21
- James 3: 5, 8, 10
- Galatians 5: 22
- 2 Peter 1: 3
- 2 Corinthians 9: 8
Again, as I mentioned in the first post in this series, I have been praying these verses, asking God to write them on my heart, to make them my automatic thoughts when I feel angry. I recognize that the changes will take time- especially the ones that have to do with my heart- but I see God working through this process and I am encouraged!
Do you have any verses having to do with love and grace that you are willing to share in the comments? I'd love to- no, I need to- build up my arsenal in this area!
This is the third in a series of posts. Other posts in this series include:
Do you have any verses having to do with love and grace that you are willing to share in the comments? I'd love to- no, I need to- build up my arsenal in this area!
This is the third in a series of posts. Other posts in this series include:
- Freedom Road (the first post)
- Taking the First Step (the second post)
- Walking Through Brokenness (the fourth post)
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3 comments:
Dear Natalie, I pray with you and for you as you work through this process and memorize these scriptures. Thankful that you are seeing changes.
I needed this reminder! Thanks for sharing your heart and touching mine!!
yes natalie, you are so right. those lies are so prevalent in the christian community, a generation of christian children being raised up understanding obedience and demands for perfection, but knowing nothing of grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness. i am with you on this road, praying He guides me into a gentle, life-giving mama.
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