Trying to Let Go of Anger

[OnAJourney]

I’ve recently had some life experiences where I’ve lost people I considered close and I can’t help but feel anger given the circumstances (which I don’t want to get too into). I don’t know how to let go of it all. I don’t know how to not let the anger become hatred. I won’t pretend I didn’t do a good few things wrong on my part, because I did. But the negativity is very bad right now.

I also feel pretty alone at the moment. I’m hurting pretty bad and feel low. I suppose at this point I really need advice on how to let go of the anger because I know holding on to it will only make my situation worse, and it would not be something I should hold on to especially during this Lenten season. I’m in unfamiliar territory and to me it’s very scary.

 

[7_Sorrows]

When you say you have lost people you considered close - do you mean they died or you have lost them
through disagreements or moving or a combination of
all 3?

 

[OnAJourney]

Through disagreement/moving. The two are basically intertwined with each other

 

[7_Sorrows]

Letting go of anger is hard.

I am reading a good book on grieving which is helping me learn how to let go of anger and I do feel some heaing even though I am.only half way through.

If you would be interested I could give you the title and
author.

 

[OnAJourney]

Sure, I’d like that

 

[7_Sorrows]

The name is:

Finding A Loving God In The Midst of Grief
by Susan M. Erschen

It is sold through The Word Among Us website.
(The Word Among Us Press)

Or you might check your library. It is only 160+ pages.
20 chapters.

 

[DisorientingSneeze]

The Psalms express such a wide range of human emotion and let us pour our hearts out in prayer over such a variety of feelings. I’m not familiar enough yet to just have one pop in my head. Anyone know one that deals with betrayal and anger?

Last time I was VERY angry was like 2 months ago and it was an on ongoing simmering rage that boiled over. Something that helped was I got assigned as a secret prayer partner for that person. (Read their name, so many eyerolls, then dramatically collapsed on my couch). Praying for that person who made me so mad for a month really did a lot of good. I prayed for their family, for their spiritual growth, for them to have a good day and treat people well. My anger could not last, atleast not in the same way when I was daily praying for the person. It became a more detached kind of love where I was along with God rooting for them to do better even when they would be awful.

 

[OKComputer]

As a young man, I struggled with the same thing. In fact, once I harbored so much anger and hatred towards someone I seriously thought about taking revenge on him. Nothing happened, but I still struggle with feelings like yours.

For me, the big thing now as an adult is not to put myself in situations where that outcome will not happen. I don’t allow myself to reach that level of anger and hatred towards people anymore. I just cut it off before it gets there. Is it hard? Yes, of course it is, but it does work for me.

In the end, I think it’s a choice you make-to let go of anger and try your best to move on. It’s not easy. Praying for you.

 

[KD8TZC]

Have you considered going to confession with this and let it go with Jesus? I think we all at times suffer from some of this where we have a hard time letting go of anger. Maybe it is toward a person, and I have always found going to confession works. Many times the priest will talk with you about it and help you see your way through this. This is one of the many gifts of the confessional.

I pray you find peace.

 

[Vico]

I’ve recently had some life experiences where I’ve lost people I considered close and I can’t help but feel anger given the circumstances (which I don’t want to get too into). I don’t know how to let go of it all. I don’t know how to not let the anger become hatred. I won’t pretend I didn’t do a good few things wrong on my part, because I did. But the negativity is very bad right now.

I also feel pretty alone at the moment. I’m hurting pretty bad and feel low. I suppose at this point I really need advice on how to let go of the anger because I know holding on to it will only make my situation worse, and it would not be something I should hold on to especially during this Lenten season. I’m in unfamiliar territory and to me it’s very scary.

The feelings may persist against one’s will, however seeking revenge is out, yet seeking legal justice may be warranted.

Romans 12

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”