Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger

“Silent treatment becomes abuse when it is intended to punish, control, or gain power over someone,” Golden continues.“It is also abusive when it reflects a form of ‘gaslighting.’ This involves purposefully behaving in a way to cause intense self-doubt, lowered self-esteem, and internal confusion.”

This type of behavior is damaging, unless it’s a mutual agreement to take a break from an intense discussion. Silent treatment rooted in anger can be a dangerous weapon. Jesus is clear, “Go and be reconciled to that person.” We cannot worship God with a clear conscious when we are contributing to the pain of someone else.

These passages of Scripture particularly struck me, as the elevated action of murder is equal in the eyes of God as insulting someone or giving them the silent treatment. It seems extreme, unless you have experienced it yourself. Having endured abuse, I know first-hand the damage this type of behavior can cause. It’s possible to lose touch with oneself if we are not careful. Scripture is amazing. It gives us the ability to pull scenes from our everyday lives and be rescued from them with the truth. As I write, I am helping a sweet soul recover from this type of behavior. It’s not ok, and so unnecessary, to inflict such hurt and pain. It feels like someone is trying to kill us.

God is protective of His children. The Scriptures tell us what to do on both sides of the coin. If you feel you are being abused by this type of behavior, or worry you might be inflicting it upon someone else, stop-drop-and pray about it. Seek God’s counsel in prayer and in His word. Find a trusted friend, mentor, or pastor. Look up a Christian counselor. But don’t sit in it. The consequences on both sides of the silent treatment are painful. Let’s not murder each other when we’re called to love each other. After studying these passages, I will surely mind my silence, and my anger, a lot more than ever before!

Father, 

You are incredibly patient with us, and so faithful to call us out on these behaviors. Father, we confess any time we have murdered someone with our anger! Whether it be text messages, spoken words, gossip and slander, or silence, we confess those sins and pray for Your forgiveness! Help us to turn from those behaviors and repent of them. We pray healing and blessing over all those we have hurt, and who are hurting from painful attacks of anger. Let us not let the devil have a foothold on our lives and our relationships through anger, God. Keep evil from us! Help us to see each other, and difficult situations, through Your perspective. Give us supernatural patience to pause before we react in anger, God. We love you, and we pray for Your healing in our hearts, minds, and souls from the hurt we have absorbed through angry attacks. 

In Jesus’ name, 

Amen.

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Meg is a graduate of Ashland University. She is a writer, author, editor, and digital content creator. She stepped away from her job in Internet Marketing in 2008 to raise her daughters, which gave her passion for writing a chance to shine through her blog, Sunny&80… Life within the Love of Christ. Meg has served as a Children’s Worship Team Leader and Middle School Leader for her local church. She founded and led the Breakfast Club Bible Study for Tweens, has served as a Young Life Leader and Committee Member, and led Women’s Bible Study. She has also volunteered as a content creator for her local church, studied Bible/Ministerial Training through Global University, completed COMPEL PRO Writers Training, and is Ethically AI Certified. A contributing writer for Salem Web Network since 2016, Meg is now thrilled to be a part of the team at Salem Web Network. You can find her entire library of books on her Amazon Author Page.