Healing & Counselling

Christian counselling or pastoral care can help you on your journey to spiritual and emotional freedom. It can address underlying issues behind any wrong behavioural patterns and habitual sins. God may lead you to someone to help, counsel and support you, which may require time and perseverance.  Counselling can be a challenging process but making the decision to get help could be the first step to experiencing victory, freedom and peace.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1)       

Talking about personal circumstances can be difficult, especially with those close to us through fear of being judged, not believed, shamed or embarrassed, or we may not want to cause them any worry or upset. They may not have the time, relevant experience or the knowledge to support you. Counselling can provide a safe place to express thoughts and feelings in a non-judgemental and supported environment. It can be easier talking with someone you do not know, as they can listen with an independent view. 

Counselling is part of discipleship as it helps spiritual growth. Christ-centred, Bible based and Spirit-filled counselling can be effective. Christian counselling addresses emotional, mental and spiritual needs of a person using the Bible as a guide. Psychology can be effective if supported by scripture, such as helping a person to change their thinking in line with truth. But some issues can be more spiritual than psychological, and psychology and Christianity can often differ. Temporary relief is only achieved through psychology, it can be short-lived. 

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are useful tools during counselling, as the Holy Spirit is our counsellor and only God can truly heal a person. Christian counsellors rely on the Holy Spirit to counsel a person, as it is only the Holy Spirit who can produce real fruit and change only comes when He is allowed to work in a person’s life.

“But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

With the help of someone alongside us, such as a pastor, mentor or a counsellor it can be effective. Counselling only involves going back into the past to receive our healing to be able to move forward in the future. It can help us understand who we are in Christ. Being humble and surrendered, as well as seeking the Lord’s guidance are important to a person’s healing. During a healing process, it is important to stay focused on Jesus. 

A support group is an option to consider, although it is not as personalised as one-to-one counselling and can be difficult for some people to open up in front of others. You might want to consider the following about a person before they help counsel you. 

Do they listen well? 

Do they know how to empathise? 

Do you feel comfortable with him or her?

Do you feel this is who God is leading you to?

A counsellor may encourage role-play during counselling as it can be an effective way to express suppressed emotions towards those absent, such as friends, partners, abusers, parents or victims. Forgiveness is the most important factor for healing as no healing can begin unless there is true willingness to forgive, this brings emotional and spiritual release! 

An understanding and acceptance of Christ’s forgiveness through the redemptive work on the cross is needed to be able to forgive others and ourselves. Counselling can be a time of repentance and confession. Understanding God’s views and biblical truth is important to be able to experience true freedom and peace.

“Confess your faults to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed” (James 5:16)

A counsellor might encourage you to recall events from the past (not hypnosis) to get in touch with any repressed memories and emotions. Feelings of failure, denial, shame or guilt need to be acknowledged rather than buried, although this could be subconsciously. You may experience some withdrawal symptoms such as emotional kickbacks, flashbacks, weeping, tiredness, nausea and headaches during a healing process. When inner-healing begins, sometimes things can get worse before they get better as emotions and memories are being brought to the surface. There could be several years of emotional damage and we need to allow the Holy Spirit time to work. 

Going back into our past can be a painful process, several counselling sessions may be needed. Jesus will be experiencing those feelings with you! A counsellor will not be able to help you if there is an unwillingness to repent, forgive, or refusal to accept the truth or take any necessary steps required that can hinder your healing.

“If you know the truth, then the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

Counselling Prayer Sessions

Prayer is the most important part of counselling. It allows you to focus on Jesus as your source of help and comfort, rather than the person counselling. This allows room for the Holy Spirit to minister to a person. Inner healing is the ministry of the Holy Spirit and brings healing to the whole person, He is your counsellor.

Free-flowing conversational type prayer allows you to express your thoughts and feelings. Counselling may be required before and after prayer times. The Holy Spirit is the perfect counsellor, allow him to touch and expose the areas in your life that are a stronghold and accept Christ’s healing. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any memories or emotions that still require healing. This could come through visions, memories, dreams or certain situations.

If emotional pain has been denied from a situation when it first occurred, intense emotions might be experienced during healing times, as hurts and emotions are being acknowledged and offered to Jesus for healing.  

Apply the blood of Jesus to hurts and wounds, this can bring rapid healing, as it acts as an antiseptic and cleanses any wounds supernaturally.

Characteristics of Christians needing healing & deliverance
- Self focused
- Easily hurt & offended
- Want control over people and situations
- Fearful, insecure & easily threatened
- Experience feelings of shame and guilt
- Try to cover up their emotions (not transparent)
- Critical

- Unforgiving
- Argumentative
- Religious
- Feel alienated (have no sense of belonging)
- Find it difficult to receive correction

Characteristics of Christians who have experienced wholeness & healing
- Display the fruit of the Spirit
- Experience peace and joy

- Feel secure
- Are transparent and open with their emotions
- Gracious & forgiving
- Tolerant
- Encouraging
- Can easily bless and encourage others
- Trusting
- Positive
- Able to display and receive love and affection

- Submissive

- Have an ability to listen to others

- Can receive correction without being offended

For further information on Counselling:

Spiritual Barriers

Breaking Soul Ties

The Renewed Mind

Spiritual House Cleaning

Prayer of Release

The woman with the issue of blood is in three Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Word of the miracles Jesus did spread. The woman heard Jesus was nearby and made her way to see Him. She had suffered bleeding for 12 years which is a long time. The woman had faith to reach out for her healing. She had spent all her money on different cures from many doctors which had only made her worse. After her years of suffering, she was desperate for a miracle!

Her condition would have prevented her being intimate with a man.  Today doctors could have been able to treat her or control the haemorrhaging or in the worst case a possible hysterectomy. It was a miracle the woman was healed, also the way in which she had been healed, by touching the hem of  Jesus’ garment.

When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 

(Mark 5:27-29)

The woman behaved in a manner that religious people would have interpreted as sinful, as according to Jewish law, she would have been unclean along with anything she touched (Leviticus 15:25-27). As soon as she knew she was healed, she hid in the crowd. She was probably afraid that by touching Jesus she would have made him ceremonially unclean and probably thought Jesus would not have prayed for her due to her condition, therefore if she could just sneak up behind Jesus, reach out and touch the hem of His robe without Him knowing, she could be healed, ‘she came up behind Him in the crowd and  touched His cloak’  (Mark 5:27). 

She knew instantly that she had been healed, she felt her suffering go and her bleeding stopped. Jesus did for her what no other doctor could during the 12 years of her suffering. Jesus immediately responded, as He felt healing power go out from Him. Jesus wanted to know who touched Him. She nervously came forward, Jesus commended her for her great faith which had led to her recovery.

“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering” 

(Mark 5:34).

Many Christians still have barriers that prevent them experiencing the total freedom, fulfilment, peace and healing Christ died for. They can be under powerful and spirit-filled inspiring ministry but if it doesn’t penetrate, then there may be a spiritual barrier, such as:

· Unforgiveness

· Sin & disobedience

· Judgement

· Curses or spells

Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness is a major hinderance in a Christian’s life. Jesus spoke on the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18. This warns us of the consequences if we refuse to forgive others. Verse 35, Jesus is referring to Christians (believers). In Verse 32, the master refers to the unforgiving servant as wicked. He was then handed over to be tortured. The KJV says ‘tormented’.

“This is how My heavenly father will treat each of you, unless you forgive your brother from your heart”. v35

Unforgiveness gives the evil one a stronghold in our life. Christians in the hands of the ‘tormentors’, can be in the form of physical, spiritual or mental torture. Although they attend church, pray and confess their salvation, they can still be in the hands of evil spirits. 

Forgiveness brings emotional and spiritual release. As the Father has already forgiven us, He expects us to extend the same forgiveness to others, and ourselves!  

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)

Sin & Judgement

Unconfessed sin is unforgiven sin that acts as a barrier. Consequences of our sin result in us being unable to communicate effectively with God until there is true repentance. Although all sin is wrong, there are different sins that carry different consequences. 

"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 

(1 Peter 4:17)

When the cause of a problem cannot be identified, or illness cannot be diagnosed, it could be a spiritual issue.  

Curses or Spells

Many people can battle with problems without realising they could be under a curse or spell. Blessings & curses are all explained in Deuteronomy 28. A curse is an obstruction in your life, a spiritual force working against you that cannot be seen or identified, it is an invisible barrier that is supernatural. This can be when evil is called upon and is used to come against someone or something to do them harm. It is also when words are spoken with hatred: a strong and angry exclamation! This type of curse, although unintentional, can still be effective. A curse acts as a hindrance in certain or all areas of your life. Do you sense another spiritual being or spiritual barrier in your life or home?  A curse is usually surrounded by a pattern:

· A problem cannot be identified 

· Illness can’t be diagnosed 

· Hereditary Illness (generational curse)

· Sickness and chronic illness

· Allergies, fears, phobias & anxieties 

· Always near health or happiness, then prevented

· Career problems (never progressing)

· Increasing financial problems

· Barrenness or miscarriages

· Accidents, disasters & tragedies (reoccurring)

· Broken relationships

· Increasing compulsive behaviour & addictions

Spiritual Practises

There may be certain activities and practises that still need to be renounced from the past or from your ancestors, which act a barrier and prevent you from experiencing the fullness and freedom in Christ. Any spiritual activity, religious group or occult practise that goes against biblical teaching will need to be verbally rejected (renounced), even if it was only for fun or as an observer.

See Sections: 

Renouncing Practises

Breaking Soul Ties

Prayers or Release

Generational Curses 

Curses can also be inherited from one generation to the next. This can be the case where there is hereditary illnesses and spiritual problems. There may be sins of our ancestors that still need to be renounced.

   Female problems                                Males with cancer

     Grandmother                                            Grandfather

         Mother                                                           Father

        Daughter                                                         Son

“For I the Lord God am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” 

(Exodus 20)

See Prayer for Breaking Generational Curses

Although the Bible doesn’t mention the term ‘soul tie’, it does speaks of souls being knit together, becoming one flesh, this is when two souls are joined spiritually. When two people get married, they form a soul tie. 

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." (Ephesians 5:31)

There are healthy and unhealthy soul ties. David and Jonathan (King Saul’s son) developed a soul tie through a good friendship.

"And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." (1Samuel 18:1)

In the spiritual realm, soul ties act as a bridge between two or more people. In the demonic realm, certain soul ties allow a person to manipulate and control a person. When a person has a sexually immoral relationship with another, an unholy soul tie is developed. If there were sins committed to create a soul tie, then they will have to be repented of first. Sexual immorality is one of the most common ways to create a bad soul tie.

Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh."  (1 Corinthians 6:16)

Bad soul ties are developed through bad relationships. Idolising and worshipping someone creates a bad soul tie. Spiritual practises with others creates a soul tie. An ungodly soul tie is an agreement between two or more parties, which is bound together by lust and evil spirits, it is a demonic covenant. Occult practices, freemasonry, new age practises, gangs, witches covens, these type of soul ties are destructive and spiritually dangerous.

Repent of any sin 

If you have been involved in adultery, fornication or in spiritual practises with someone, then it is important to repent of these sins first, in order toreceive God's forgiveness before breaking a soul tie.

Forgiveness

If you still hold unforgiveness against the person, you must choose to forgive to release any bitterness, hurt or damaged emotions. More counselling and healing may be needed in this area. 

Renouncing Covenants & Oaths

The tongue is capable of binding a soul tie and often is the source of creating soul ties. One example of this is proclaiming marriage vows, this is a covenant. If you have made a spoken commitment to someone or something, such as a covenant, oath, pact or vow, it has power in the spiritual realm to bind your soul to that person or group and forms a soul tie. This includes vows and oaths take during initiation ceremonies, rituals into a spiritual practise or group. Spoken covenants need to be renounced first to break the soul tie. 

To renounce something is to verbally reject it. If it was spoken verbally, it will need to be taken back verbally. Verbally renouncing something is a powerful action and proclamation in the spiritual realm. Just as a vow binds a soul, renouncing it releases a soul. Gifts often symbolise a relationship and hold a soul tie in place. If you have received rings, jewellery or gifts from an unhealthy relationship, holding onto them will hold a soul tie in place, even after a soul tie has been renounced. Letters, messages or gifts received from an adulterous should be destroyed. Any garments worn, rings, books or objects used as part of spiritual practises or during initiation ceremonies should be destroyed.

(See prayers of release - Breaking  soul ties)

Damaged emotions left unhealed affect the way we live, act and respond in situations and affect our relationships with others. You may not be certain memories and emotions still affect you, time does not necessarily heal all wounds!

Emotions and memories can be buried subconsciously. Even if events happened several years ago, some hurts and traumas can be too painful to remember, as though they only happened yesterday. Our mind has an ability to shut out memories we cannot face, and you may not be aware of supressed emotions still connected to any underlying hurts. With the Holy Spirit as the counsellor, you can get in touch with those memories still causing emotional and behavioural problems. Unhealthy and irrational emotions can originate from deep hurts. Although this means going back into the past,  it is only to be healed and set free to move forward in the future. 

Causes of Emotional Damage:

Rejection, Betrayal, Criticism, Other’s expectations, Abuse, Neglect, Sickness, Loss, Grief, Abandonment, Trauma, Accident, Tragedies, Near Death Experiences, Broken relationships

Recognising Signs of Emotional Damage

· How do you respond if someone hurts you feelings?

· Are you easily offended? 

· Do others easily rob you of your joy? 

· Are your reactions or responses inappropriate? 

· Cover-up feelings with defensive behaviour?

· Do you experience feelings of hurt and anger?

· Do you suffer with depression, aggression or withdrawal? 

Self-Destructive Behaviour

Emotional damage can be at the root of self-destructive behaviour, such as eating disorders, substance abuse, suicide attempts and self-harm.

Not only have our sins been nailed to the cross, but also our hurts, our failures and our traumas, past and future! The cross and the blood of Jesus has the power to break through all addictions, compulsive behaviour and heal emotional damage and traumas. 

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1)

Christians still affected by emotional damage and bad memories and can struggle with compulsive behaviour, relationship problems and habitual sins. It is easy to get caught up in a sin-and feel-guilty cycle feeling powerless to overcome. Many hide their behaviour:

· The fear of being judged 

· Don’t want to bring into the open 

· Fear what people might think

· Afraid of being rejected or misunderstood 

Sin - Guilt

Damaged emotions attract the attention of the evil one as he preys upon the weak and wounded. We become easy prey when we are hurt, raw, unforgiving and offended. They are strongholds in our life which need to be dealt with, so we can walk in victory. They can  affect our Christian walk and relationships with others, inside and outside the church. 

Even though we are saved, there may be areas in our life that have not been fully surrendered under the cross. Allow the Holy Spirit to touch those areas you know still need healed and accept Christ’s healing!

“To open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison, and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness” (Isaiah 42: 7)

Depression

Low Self-Esteem

Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Phobias & Fears

Perfectionism

Eating Disorders

Legalism

Recognising an Abusive Relationship

Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)

In society today, depression is common and anti-depressants are increasingly popular. However, medication may not solve the problem, only numb it!  Reality may still need to be faced first, before it can be overcome. Depression can be disabling, and it can bring a person to the brink of despair. Suicidal thoughts are common for those suffering severe depression. The suicide rate has doubled over the past few years. Depression can often be well-rooted. With the help of the Holy Spirit as your counsellor, you can discern whether this is natural or spiritual. Depression can come from an external source, as well as internally. It can come from certain circumstances such as:

· Absence of love, romance or affection

· Loneliness, isolation or boredom

· Low self-esteem

· Family problems and conflicts

· Divorce or broken relationships 

· Financial problems, debt, poverty or bankruptcy

· Unemployment or redundancy

· Illness or health problems 

· Pre-menstrual tension, menopause or anti-natal 

· Ageing 

· Betrayal or rejection

· Grief (death of a loved one)

· Abortion

· Accidents and tragedies

· Abuse, rape or sexual assault

· Being in an abusive relationship

· Addictions or compulsive behaviour 

· Eating disorders

· Gender change

A Christian can struggle with depression! There were times in David’s life when he became depressed. It is not necessarily a sign of spiritual defeat or failure, as being born-again does not change the temperaments of our nature. We still go through changes, challenges and circumstances in life, but having our faith in Christ gives us the hope and strength to either go through it or overcome it. 

“Why is my soul downcast within me”  (Psalm 42:5).

Elijah, after being threatened by Jezebel ran away and wanted to die. Jesus also, on the night before his death said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death” (Matthew 26:38). 

“Weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

Sin can often lead to depression, but not all depression comes from sin. Religion could also be at the root. If we  neglect our relationship with the Lord, get caught up in  works, we will soon become easily discouraged. Spirit filled ministry, inspiration and fellowship helps as we all need encouragement on our spiritual journey.

The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)

There is also a spirit of depression. If there is sudden or overnight discouragement and depression, without any explanation, it could be spiritual. God’s word and praise are powerful weapons against depression, especially proclaiming victory with the blood of Jesus, this breaks through spiritual barriers, also if there is an oppressive and heavy atmosphere!

‘Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness’ (Isaiah 61:3)

If you are unable to function and have lost interest in life, reach out for help!

Phobias are underlying feelings of anxiety and manifest when a person is faced with a situation where they don’t feel in control. Fears can be of an object, place, person or a situation. Fear of flying, being in a confined space, using a lift or elevator, heights or on unknown territory are only some of the many phobias people suffer from. A phobia is the exaggerated sense of danger with an increased feeling of anxiety, which brings on a panic attack. Fear and anxiety are two areas which need to be addressed to overcome a phobia. Fear can be paralysing, and holds us back in life, they can become a stronghold within our mind. 

· Disorientation or dizziness

· Diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, 

· Sweating

· Weakness in the lower limbs

· Breathing difficulties

· Embarrassment 

· Trembling hands

· Racing heart (palpitations)

· Swearing

People who suffer from phobias can spend most of their life living in fear or trying to avoid another attack. If their attack happened while on a bus, they avoid buses, if it happened in a supermarket, they will try to avoid the supermarkets. This can eventually lead to a person being closed in with a list of things to avoid. People with phobias often feel guilty about their situation which brings on more anxiety. We all have fears, but when our fears become so intense that normal life is interrupted, difficult or even impossible, it is a phobia! One phobia can often lead to many other.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

The Bible has many examples of people who faced fears, they either surrendered or overcome. Abraham, Moses, King David and the Apostle Paul are only some of those who faced deep personal fears, but with God’s help and strength, they overcame them! 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

Phobias can stem from circumstances in our past. This could be from childhood or a situation where we have experienced some degree of fear, distress or trauma. Something could trigger an attack connected to a previous incident. Counselling could be required to overcome this.

Are there strict rules and regulations within your church that make you feel trapped and prevent you experiencing Christ’s freedom? 

"See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." [Colossians 2:8]

When we walk in God’s grace, the Holy Spirit will lead us to  act in a way that honours God. Where scripture does not mention or teach on certain issues, it shouldn’t be preached as ‘must’.  The signs of a legalistic (religious) spirit are:

· Lack of true joy and freedom

· No real victory in your life

· Critical, harsh, unloving attitude towards others

· Bound by religious traditions

Jesus died on the cross, so we wouldn't be judged according to the law. Living under the Old Testament is being conformed to a performance-based religion! Paul wrote to the Church in Galatia to remind them to walk in the ‘Grace of God’.

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Legalism: A Barrier in the Church

The Pharisees rejected Jesus because they held onto the Old Covenant and did not recognise the ‘new’. A legalistic spirit will always want to do it the way it has always been done! Many Christians rejected a move of the Holy Spirit in the past because it was not Church as they knew it or didn’t conform to their understanding. Some churches are in danger of missing a move of God because they want to stay in the past. Legalistic people tend to fight against anything new or a move of God. God is unchanging in His nature and the message of the cross doesn’t change, we must stay in step with what God is doing!

People who do not understand or walk in God's grace cannot extend it to others. When you understand God’s mercy it is easier to extend it to others, even if they don't deserve it! Don't fall for a graceless Christianity. If you see any of these warning signs in your life, invite the Holy Spirit to set you free from legalism. Stop striving and ask God to open your eyes to the reality of His amazing grace. 

Anger is a normal emotion most of us have experienced at some point. It is a natural response that can manifest in the most spiritual, gracious and well-respected Christians. The Bible tells us even God became angry. Jesus himself was angered with traders in the temple.

Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. (Mark 11:15-19)

Cain was a man with emotions just like you and me who became angry. Cain and Abel both brought offerings to God, but Cain's offering was unacceptable and rejected by God, so he became angry.

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it."

(Genesis 4:7)

Anger grieves the Holy Spirit. If we grieve the Holy Spirit, there will be the lack of anointing and effectiveness in our life. If anger is a problem, it has to be treated as a problem. In Ephesians 4 we are told that when angry to sin not, which means it must be possible to be angry without sinning. There is a righteous anger, which Jesus displayed when He overturned the tables in the temple. 

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (Ephesians 4:30-31)

Is Anger a Stronghold in Your Life! 

Most of us have seen someone out of control with rage. They start quarrels or fights in public, at home, at work and while driving. Proverbs 15:18 tells us a ‘hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.’

Bad language, cursing and sarcasm can be symptoms of anger. Indirect and inward anger can be manifested in destructive and self-harming behaviour. Anger can be masked and deep-rooted. Depression can be a form of inward frozen rage. Although aggression may be obvious in some people, it can be very subtle and harder to identify, as with passive aggressiveness.

Passive-aggressiveness is indirect expression of hostility through subtle insults, stubbornness, bad-temper, sulky behaviour, deliberately ignoring someone or giving them the silent treatment. As passive-aggressive behaviour is indirect, it can be harder to identify. If your friends, family or your work colleagues do not acknowledge you, at first you think this may be ian oversight, but eventually you recognise something is not right. 

When we become angry, the body releases adrenaline, our muscles tighten, our heart rate and blood pressure increases. Anger can be ugly. A person when losing their self-control take on a furious expression, their features becomes distorted with glaring eyes.

Christians can be good when it comes to masking over or justifying their own anger. But we will never experience the true freedom and abundant life that God intended for us if we are still bound in a stronghold of anger! If not dealt with, anger can manifest as an illness or disease, in our physical body and in the body of Christ. Displaying explosive, irrational or uncontrollable anger could destroy our testimony. We can understandably be angered at circumstances or with others, but if we hold onto it, and our feelings are rooted in a desire for ill-will or our revenge on others, it is the opposite of the love we are supposed to feel as Christians. 

“Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” (Matthew 5:22)

Discern The Root of Anger!

Anger can be inherited generationally, just as with other strongholds. There can be strongholds connected to our anger that keep us bound; injustice, shame, bitterness, resentment, hurt, poverty, rejection and betrayal. Although we can be reasonably happy we can  experience sudden mood changes, emotional out-bursts or begin to raise our voice to communicate our views to others. 

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

Other Issues That Arouse Anger:

· If not recognised for our efforts or contribution

· If we are disrespected 

· If our words or ideas are not taken seriously 

· If not being heard or recognised (being ignored)

· If people don’t do as we say

· If we cannot control circumstances or people 

· Accusations that we have done or said something wrong

People Who Struggle With Anger:

· Are defensive 

· Get impatient easily

· Always see the faults in others 

· Claim to forgive but continue to process old hurts

· Speak negatively and are critical of others

· Easily frustrated with the faults and mistakes of others

Anger Gives the Devil a Foothold!

Anger becomes sin when we hold onto it. When we hold onto anger, demonic forces are given a foothold in our life, it attracts demonic attention that can influence our actions and reactions.

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)

Anger can break up relationships. Many people justify their anger instead of taking responsibility for it. To be angry is not sinning, only the behaviour in our responses and actions. We can be angry with a person without wishing them harm or our revenge on them. 

We should consider if our response is justified against the measure of harm or damage suffered. It is better to express our feelings of anger than to suppress anger, but without sinning. The worst kind of anger is when it is supressed with sudden outbursts of rage. When we are angry it is hard not to sin. We may need to act instead of reacting. Our first thought of response can often be a sinful one. Take deep breaths and then count to 10, this could be beneficial before responding. Our faith in Christ, with the fruit of the spirit should help us in the correct way of responding. In Galatians 5:20-21, fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faith, temperance. In 1 Corinthians 13 it tells us love is patient and kind, it does not dishonour others and is not easily angered. Is our anger motivated by pride, or in our defence or the defence of others? Anger is sinful when motivated by pride (James 1:20).

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20)

Righteous anger is being angry at the things that makes God angry. Gods anger is justified. God is slow to anger, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God’s anger is with regard to evil and wickedness. A day of judgment is coming when Jesus returns to earth as King of kings and ‘tread his enemies in the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God’ (Revelation 19:15–16). But this is against those who are evil and have refused God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Jesus did overturn the tables in the temple as He was deeply grieved over the sin being committed in His Father’s house. Moses was filled with anger with the people over the golden calf, which was forbidden idolatry.

It is possible to be angry with God. Instead of  admitting or being responsible for our own actions, we can blame God for the outcome, as with Cain. The outcome of his anger led to him murdering his brother Abel. Anger is murder of the heart (Matthew 5.21-22). 

Anger can become deep-rooted and can easily turn into a grudge or malice, the worst form of anger. First hatred rises in our heart against a person. If we see them, we cannot speak to them, look at them, be courteous or show kindness to them. Hatred can grow into the desire for harm and ill-will on a person.

The victims of abuse or a crime often suffer trauma, but the anger may emerge later. With healing and counselling, we should eventually come to a place where there is acceptance and forgiveness, this may be a journey. Our emotions may need to be healed before dealing with  anger.