A question was asked, “If I am stuck in anger, how do I get unstuck?” There are two overlapping answers. There is a spiritual pathway and an emotional one that work together. This answer highlights components of the emotional pathway.

Grieve

Press into the sadness. Let yourself embrace and feel the disappointment. Be sad for yourself and others who are hurting. Acknowledge, “This is a sad story, but it will not hinder or define my life.”

Accept

Move towards acceptance. Decide that you will not waste any more time living upset. Say, “I do not like the hurt that happened. But I will not live in pain, hurt, or disappointment.”

Release

Move to releasing. I release my desire to get even, make them pay, or get justice. Any pain caused by them is released back to that person. Say, “I release all pain, sadness, and hurt back to the offender. It is not mine to carry.”

Re-engage

I move forward. I am in charge of running a healthy emotional system. This anger and disappointment will burden my life no more. So I say, “I will run my emotional system on the peace, rest, and joy found in Jesus.”

PRAY

Start with prayer. End with prayer. And pray in between.

Father, an offense has occurred. I am holding anger in my body. Please help me release it to you. Help my soul find rest in you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

BIBLE CONNECTION

For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. – Hebrews 10:30-31 (NIV)