A Small Book About a Big Problem

4/7/2020

The Bible says that a short-tempered person is a fool.

"Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:9

It also says that a wise person restrains their anger.

"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense" Proverbs 19:11

Proverbs 16:32 even says that if we are slow to anger we are better than the mighty, and he who takes a city. The book of Proverbs actually has quite a bit to say about anger.

Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us that if we are angry, we should get over it quickly!

"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." Ephesians 4:26-27

“When the only One who has a right to be angry chooses love and service, when He considers the interests of others more important than His own and chooses humility, He changes everything.” ―Edward T. Welch, A Small Book About A Big Problem

It's in the Bible

What does Jesus warn about anger?
It's in the Bible, Matthew 5:22, NKJV. "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire."

How does God relate to anger?
It's in the Bible, Psalm 103:8, NKJV "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy."

How does Love relate to anger?
It's in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:5, NIV. "It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."

Don't fight back when wronged.
It's in the Bible, I Peter 3:9, TLB "Don't repay evil for evil. Don't snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God's help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it."

Anger produces strife.
It's in the Bible, Proverbs 30:33, NIV. "For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife."

How should we react to someone's anger?
It's in the Bible, Proverbs 15:1, NKJV. "A soft answer turns away wrath; a harsh word stirs up anger"

Why do we forgive, rather than continue to be angry? Because God forgave us.
It's in the Bible, Ephesians 4:30-32, NKJV. "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

A Small Book About a Big Problem, by biblical counselor and psychologist Edward T. Welch, guides readers to look carefully at how their anger affects them and others through short, daily meditations.

In a fifty-day reading plan journey, Welch unpacks anger while encouraging and teaching readers to respond with patience to life’s difficulties.

This biblically wise resource is a useful tool for pastors, counselors, and lay helpers who are working with people who struggle with a short fuse.

In A Small Book About a Big Problem, Welch invites readers to consider how everyone can find anger in their actions and attitudes, but Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is the only One who can empower His people to grow in patience, peace, and wholeness.

How many times today have you been irritated? Frustrated? Anger is so common—yet it also hurts. It not only leaves a mark on us, but it also leaves a mark on others.

The wounds we inflict on ourselves and others because of anger—loss of intimacy, trust, security, and enjoyment in our closest relationships—give us compelling reasons to look closely at our anger and lift our eyes to Christ.

“As a young pastor anger nearly destroyed my family and my ministry. By grace, God rescued me. My hope is that this book, filled with profound insights, tender grace, and practical wisdom, will be used by God to rescue and restore many. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading it.” —Paul Tripp, Author of New Morning Mercies

Read a sample of A Small Book About a Big Problem here.

The past two Tuesdays, we have highlighted two other small books. A Small Book for the Hurting Heart and A Small Book for the Anxious Heart. All three of these books are excellent! The first two especially, A Small Book for the Hurting Heart and A Small Book for the Anxious Heart, are great to have on hand and give as needed. I even have them on the nightstands in our guest bedrooms.

Thanks for joining the InstaEncouragements weekly Christian link-up! We would really appreciate it if you would grab this IE link-up button, place it on your blog, and link back to this post. Thanks! Have an awesome week!

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If you've read A Small Book About a Big Problem by Ed Welch, I'd love to know what you thought and how it impacted your life.

31 Comments

Barbara Harper link

4/7/2020 09:21:26 am

I loved this book. I don't have big, explosive anger but rather silent, seething anger--which is every bit as bad. I thank God for His Word and His example of longsuffering, patience, and mercy.

Patsy Burnette link

4/7/2020 09:53:42 am

I LOVE the whole trio of books, Barbara! I'm glad you made the point that big, explosive anger is just as bad as silent, seething anger. While the first hurts others, they both hurt us and our relationship with God.

Bev @ Walking Well With God link

4/7/2020 10:25:36 am

Patsy,
This collection of "small books" sounds absolutely terrific. I can't wait to get my copy and this one on anger...I think it should be a "must read" for everyone as we all deal with anger on some level. Have enjoyed your series!
Blessings,
Bev xx

4/7/2020 10:45:21 am

Mailing your copy today, Bev! :) It is a great little collection!

Laurie link

4/7/2020 11:24:07 am

My husband and I had the verse from Ephesians read at our wedding 41 years ago! I need reminders sometimes, to pay attention to those words. Anger is a problem in this world today, more than ever. I will add this small book to my TBR list.

4/8/2020 08:17:24 am

Not letting the sun go down on our anger is one of the best pieces of advice we can give to newlyweds. 41 years, Laurie! Wow! That's great!!! We are coming up on 40 next year. :)

Beth Steffaniak link

4/7/2020 02:02:03 pm

Such a powerful word and subject, Patsy! It's easy to forget that our anger truly can be like pounding our fist on someone's tender heart! I also love how you've walked us through the practical ways God's word solves every bit of confusion and concern we have when we're angry. This is yet another book that I need to check out too! Thanks for highlighting them and for providing the linkup!

4/8/2020 08:22:16 am

Anger IS like pounding our fist on someone's tender heart, and at the same time, it's also like pounding our fist on our own tender heart. Anger is so much like bitterness—it hurts others, but it also hurts us, and our testimony, and can even hurt the testimony of our God.

Theresa Boedeker link

4/7/2020 02:25:40 pm

Anger is so common and so easily destroys the good parts of our relationships. This sounds like a wonderful book. Often we are taught not to be angry as children, but not taught how to constructively deal with our anger. So we ignore it, stuff it, or just let it out. Learning to deal with our anger in healthy ways is so vital to our well being and the well being of those around us.

4/8/2020 08:24:29 am

We are going to get angry, it's pretty much inevitable. Constructively dealing with our anger is key!

Michele Morin link

4/7/2020 03:26:40 pm

Thank you for walking us through the content of these little gems. It occurs to me that even our sinful anger is something God can use to mold and shape us.

4/8/2020 08:26:09 am

Michele, isn't it ironic how God uses even our own sinfulness to shape and mold us!?

4/9/2020 07:38:46 am

It certainly affirms the truth that he is more powerful than sin and death!

Lisa notes link

4/7/2020 04:55:53 pm

The Bible has so much to say about anger. Obviously it's a huge deal to God, as it should be to us. Thanks for highlighting that today! All three of these books sound amazing.

4/8/2020 08:30:02 am

Lisa, these three small books make a great set! Each one is very helpful! And all together, they add up to like 5 months of daily devotions on hurting, anger, and anxiety. Something we could all use. :)

Donna Reidland link

4/8/2020 10:24:02 am

I love the idea of putting these little books on the nightstand in a guest room. They would also make a great addition to a gift basket for anyone shut-in during this time of social quanantining. Thanks for helping us get familiar with them.

4/8/2020 10:37:58 am

That's a great idea too, Donna!

Jerralea link

4/8/2020 12:04:47 pm

Thanks for the reminder about a soft answer turning away wrath! That is something I try - most of the time - to practice. I'm a lot better than I used to be!

4/8/2020 03:35:47 pm

I feel like sometimes over on Twitter I should tweet, "A soft Tweet turns away wrath." LOL It is the truth though, whether it's spoken word or written word, the way we respond can make a huge difference!

sue link

4/8/2020 01:04:42 pm

I love small books - and anger can ruin someone's days - including mine! How was the mentor "talk"?

4/8/2020 03:37:56 pm

The "mentor talk" hasn't happened yet. Waiting for this whole COVID thing to end. That's my excuse anyway. *rolling eyes* Thanks for asking and thanks for linking up and sharing as well!

Lauren Renee Sparks link

4/8/2020 01:50:58 pm

I have enjoyed learning about these books from you.

4/8/2020 03:38:51 pm

Thank you, Lauren. Your post this week was convicting and spot on. Thank you!

diane@worthbeyondrubies link

4/9/2020 12:05:25 am

This definitely sounds like a book I need to read!! I love that it is broken into daily readings too because I sometimes let the day get away from me but with a planned ready for the day it makes it less daunting to keep up with and keeps me on track!! Thank you for sharing it with us and thank you for linking up @worthbeyondrubies
I shared it as well!

4/9/2020 05:34:05 am

I like the 50-day breakdown too, Diane. That makes it manageable, and imagine the change the reader could see in their life over that 50-day period! Thanks for linking up!