Slow Burn: Releasing Unresolved Anger and the Right to Revenge

Anger is a normal emotion. We don’t have to fear it; but like fire, we are to handle it responsibly, with caution, maturity, and a sober mind submitted to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom. We bring it to the Lord. As Helper, He filters what is unnecessary and gives insight and understanding of what to do with what’s left. We may have been legitimately wronged, but allowing unresolved anger in our lives has dire consequences we don’t always see.

Cain didn’t know that his brother’s blood would cry out from the earth when he killed Abel. God heard it, though (Genesis 4:10-11). Perhaps, no human witnesses were present to observe the traumatic incidents that sparked our anger and the thirst for revenge. God knows all the details. Always present, our Advocate was fully aware and completely committed to righting the wrongs on our behalf.

The Father repurposes evil, turning it for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). We have to yield God’s sovereign position to Him alone. We don’t have the right or the capacity to occupy His throne and administer short-sighted human justice, restricted by the finite realm of what we know, see, and feel.

While our feelings are legitimate, our wounded hearts demonstrate true love when responding to God with trust versus unforgiveness and revenge. He does what we cannot. Love breaks the stronghold that hate seeks to establish in our hearts.

We may look vulnerable, perhaps even foolish. Some would say that Jesus appeared the same way. Without retribution, He was tortured mercilessly for all of humanity, including those who reject Him as Savior and Lord. His suffering preceded the souls. Glory came later.

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8, ESV

Scripture is clear that if our Savior endured, then we will follow suit (John 13:16). Surrendering our hearts to forgive feels like suffering. Yet, we are guaranteed that the Holy Spirit will empower us to do the impossible through Christ, the Anointed One (Philippians 4:13).

When we ask, the Holy Spirit forgives and loves through us, rendering upheaval to the revenge and resentment that sought to overtake us. God doesn’t just save or heal, but He transforms past and present pain into power, productivity, and plunder over the strong man, or enemy (Matthew 12:29).

God graces us to come to Him and to release resentment and bitterness. He knows how to work His Will in our lives and the ones of those who may have angered, abused, or abandoned us. He doesn’t require human help to take vengeance into our own misguided hands. He does want us to offload the anger that would otherwise burn us alive.

Our part in the process requires us to bring our hurt and trust Him to care for us and the offending party. His part is to rectify the wrongs in supernatural ways that inspire awe and release glory.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. – Romans 12:19, NIV

Next steps to release unresolved anger

Nursing anger, resentment, and bitterness comes with a cost. They can be destructive, weakening your overall health and wellness from within. Although you may need to follow logical steps to secure your safety, begin by seeking a counselor on this site.

A professional will help you walk free from the furnace where unresolved anger has imprisoned you in its slow burn. Where revenge keeps you parched, the Living Water of the Spirit will meet, comfort, and refresh you in the ways that answer with what your soul needs most.