EMOTIONS THAT DESTROY US
The emotions that cause tension, anxiety, and frustration, as noted by the four authors—a psychiatrist, two psychologists, and a physician—are:
- hatred
- self-centeredness
- resentment
- ambition
- rage
- envy
- frustration
- jealousy
- love need
- sorrow
- shame
- fear
Their presence, whether expressed or held in, leads to misery and tension. No one needs to learn how to respond this way. It comes as naturally as breathing. Such responses begin at birth, as anyone can testify who has tried to quiet a baby or a small child.
Take a look at some Bible verses that describe the same responses as violations of God’s commandments and therefore, when they exist within, this condition chips away at your self-respect and self-love.
You will note that modern-day research has only confirmed what this ancient book has described centuries ago.
GOD’S VIEWPOINT
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Fret not yourself, it leads only to evil doing (Psalm 37:8-9).
Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
I am benumbed and badly crushed; I groan because of the agitation of my heart (Psalm 38:8).
Better is a dish of vegetables where love is, than a fatted ox and hatred with it (Proverbs 15:17).
A tranquil heart is life to the body, but passion is rottenness to the bones (Proverbs 14:30).
Fret not yourself because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers (Psalm 37:1).
Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another (Galatians 5:26).
The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1).
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing (James 3:16).
Even the simple details of life will stimulate such reactions if they are within us. Why must we find a way to eliminate them? Because they are intolerable, too unpleasant to live with, and the bodily changes that go along with them are too painful and uncomfortable to ignore. We are forced to find relief, peace, and quiet.
Let me share a few incidents as described by my clients.