RTW 2023

Two years later,…

2 Samuel 13:23

Unresolved anger is the silent thief of:

• all the good and perfect gifts that God longs to give us.
• Life abundant, full and free that Jesus died to give us

We can:

• Stuff: tucking anger away, pretending it doesn’t exist
  Stuffing is easy and quick; but will lead to explosions of wrong actions, and wrong words at the wrong time.

• Resolve: discover and pull up the root of our anger
  Resolution isn’t easy; but with time and commitment will lead to peace, even if the other parties aren’t on board with the idea.
  Resolution Process Involves: Prayer. Scripture. Confession. Counseling.

God makes it clear about anger.

• Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
  Psalm 37:8 (ESV)
• Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
  Proverbs 14:29 (ESV)
• Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
  Proverbs 19:11 (ESV)
• Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
  James 1:19 (ESV)
• For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
  James 1:20 (ESV)

Getting Even

• Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
  Romans 12:19 (ESV)
• Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
  Proverbs 20:22 (ESV)
• But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either
  Luke 6:27-28 (ESV)
• Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
  1 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

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When King David heard what had happened, he was very angry.
2 Samuel 13:21

Why didn’t David do anything about the rape of Tamar? So much pain and bloodshed would have been spared.

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Don’t allow this thief to steal all that God has planned for me.

If anyone is dealing with the trauma of rape, or knows someone who is dealing with the trauma of rape, an excellent, Biblical resource s Hidden Joy in Dark Corner by Wendy Blight.

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