Christopher Ash - The Heart of Anger

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I found myself jotting down quote after quote as I read through this book filled with so much insight into the Scriptures, as well as insight into human behavior. Then I came to the question, What can Christ do for our anger that anger management courses cannot? and in the pages that followed, I realized I had just struck goldgospel hope for those who recognize the damage anger is doing in their lives and relationships and their need of a source outside themselves to deal with it.

Nancy Guthrie, Bible teacher; author, Even Better than Eden

This book meets a real need. It gives us a warm, biblical, easily accessible treatment of one of those sins that causes great havoc but is rarely given serious attention. Most of us have suffered the anger of others at one point or another, and most of us can remember times when we failed and lashed out at others. We need to hear what the whole of the Bible has to say about anger, to distinguish between our self-centered anger and Gods righteous anger, and to learn strategies to deal with anger in all its forms. Above all, after reading this book, do take the time to work through the immensely practical and helpful appendixes.

Mark D. Thompson, Principal, Moore Theological College

Imagine being more skillful, less reactive, and humble in the face of your own anger or the anger of others. Imagine how many relationships could find peace and avoid prolonged wars. The Heart of Anger guides you there. It is gentle and clear, thorough and hopeful. The illustrations will have you saying, Thats me. And it will give you direction today.

Ed Welch, Counselor and Faculty Member, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation

Ash and Midgley have served Christs church well by treating the subject of anger in a way that is biblically robust and centered on issues of the heart. In addition to learning much about Scriptures emphasis on the role of the inner person in effecting lasting change, readers will also realize the delightful alternative of finding joy and satisfaction in the gospel. Pastors, biblical counselors, and all followers of Christ should have this book on their shelves and these concepts in their hearts and lives.

Steve Viars, Senior Pastor, Faith Church, Lafayette, Indiana; author, Putting Your Past in Its Place ; Loving Your Community ; and Overcoming Bitterness

Anger, with all its complexity, is still devastatingly simple. This book captures this paradox perfectly. It describes the multiple factors at play in the heart of a person experiencing anger, and it does so with biblical depth and clarity. An excellent guide to the heart of a persons anger.

Jeremy Pierre, Lawrence and Charlotte Hoover Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling and Chair of the Department of Biblical Counseling and Family Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

What does the Bible say about anger? Not only do Ash and Midgley answer this question exhaustively, but they convincingly gather Scriptures teaching on anger into four accessible core categories. The Heart of Anger is written with pastoral sensitivity, full of personal examples and case studies, and climaxes with a moving description of angers antidote: the humility only the gospel of Christ can provide. In addition, Ash and Midgley offer a refreshing insight into the way that listening to Scripture connects us to that humility. In short, The Heart of Anger richly and biblically captures our struggle and our hope in the face of the pandemic of prideful anger that has infected us all since the garden.

J. Alasdair Groves, Executive Director, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation

Anger is a universal human experience and one that often catches us by surprise. Why are we so angry? In this Scripture-saturated book, Ash and Midgley help us discern what underlies the many manifestations of our anger, while charting a gospel-centered course for change. What difference does Christ make in our struggle with anger? All the difference in the world, say Ash and Midgley. And that is good news indeed for angry folk like you and me!

Michael R. Emlet, Dean of Faculty and Counselor, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation; author, Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners and CrossTalk

Ash and Midgley have written a book on anger that is honest, engaging, convicting, and packed with biblical wisdom. I highly recommend it for Christians who want to understand their heart and Jesus s heart for them in their own struggle with anger.

Darby Strickland, Counselor and Teacher, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation; author, Is It Abuse?

The Heart of Anger brings together the overlapping realities of our personal anger, the anger of God, and the anger of others, then examines them through the lens of Scripture. Ash and Midgley dont merely pass along information gleaned from their study; they share what Gods word has to say about these overlapping realities in ways that transform lives. Readers will be equipped to walk in a manner pleasing to the Lord in regard to anger and help others to do likewise.

Curtis Solomon, Executive Director, Biblical Counseling Coalition

Using biblical and modern case studies, Ash and Midgley show us the devastation that anger causes due to selfish desires. At the heart of anger is a desire to be God, with his knowledge and sovereignty. That sword cuts deeply into all we hold dear. In contrast, the authors show us the righteous anger and steadfast love of the Lord. Knowing Jesus brings us a change of heart, with new desires. Scripture is skillfully applied in specific, practical ways, modeling how to sheath the sword of anger and brandish love and humility instead. Biblical counselors will find true hope for themselves and their counselees here in understanding anger, relationships, and new creation in the Lord.

Cecelia Bernhardt, Faculty and Director of Counseling, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation

The Heart of Anger

How the Bible Transforms Anger in Our Understanding and Experience

Christopher Ash
Steve Midgley

The Heart of Anger: How the Bible Transforms Anger in Our Understanding and Experience

Copyright 2021 by Christopher B. G. Ash and Stephen Midgley

Published by Crossway
1300 Crescent Street
Wheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law. Crossway - is a registered trademark in the United States of America.

Cover design: Jeff Miller, Faceout Studios

First printing 2021

Printed in the United States of America

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible and CSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.