Three Triggers
Theme of the Week: Why Do We Lose It?
Randy Newman
Monday, August 7, 2006
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: "Why are you so angry?" the Lord asked him. "Why do you look so dejected?" (Genesis 4:6). Bonus Reading: Genesis 4:1-8
Much of the literature on the subject of anger agrees that it's a secondary emotion, not a primary one. In many cases, something behind the anger triggers it into action.
The three most common triggers are hurt, fear, and frustration. Thus, by finding out what's behind it, a great deal of destructive anger can be channeled into constructive behavior.
You might yell at your kids, for example, because you didn't get the recognition you thought you deserved at work that day—hurt. Or you might drive like a maniac because somebody just cut you off and you almost ended up in a ditch—fear. Or your wife gets an earful that she doesn't deserve because that important package that you needed yesterday didn't come in the mail today—frustration.
Identifying the underlying stimulator can help diffuse the resulting anger. It can also free us to address the real issue. If we fail to identify the primary cause, a residue of anger can develop. This residual anger affects us more than we realize. With such anger lurking below the surface, it doesn't take much to ignite it. As we interact with others, it surges to the top.
—Randy Newman in Questioning Evangelism
My Response: The last time I got bent out of shape, I believe the trigger was …
Adapted from Questioning Evangelism (Kregel, 2004) by permission.
Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
 share this page
Lord, when my anger is out of control, Your Spirit isn't in charge. I ask for Your help in governing my temper.
Men of Integrity
Connect with God | Transform my Mind | Live by His Power
Relate Better | Make an Impact
Home | Archives | Contact Us
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try an Issue of Men of Integrity
Free!
|
 |
|
No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders.
If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless.
Give Men of Integrity as a gift
Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
RSS Feed
