Robert & Kay Camenisch encouraging and equipping relationships

Anger Is Infectious

Michelle had a very rough childhood. In her attempt to escape the pain caused by regular abuse, she began use of alcohol and drugs at the young age of 11. But she couldn’t get rid of her simmering anger.

Michelle became very aggressive. She liked being angry. More specifically, she liked having angry explosions. She said the anger would build and build, and when she exploded, it was a terrific release of inward pressure, almost like a high. She was addicted to anger and the release she experienced when she lashed out.

She has been made new, has overcome her anger, and is a powerful witness to the power and goodness of the Lord.

I asked how she saw that anger was bad and how she got rid of it. Her answer broadened my view of the effects of anger.

Michelle said, “I changed because I saw that anger infected people, not just affected them.”

She added, “And once you do it [infect others through your anger] you can’t take it back.” She likened it to giving someone HIV. Once they’re infected, you can’t take it back.

Studies show that anger is harmful to the person that is angry. It negatively impacts personal happiness and well-being, and relationships with others, as well as spiritual and physical health. Recent studies at Harvard University indicate that an angry outburst even increases the likelihood of having a stroke or heart attack within two hours. Anger affects and infects every area of his or her life, causing destruction that is often unseen.

Anger infects others too, and like the flu, can be spread by simple contact or by an explosion—like a cough or sneeze that spreads germs throughout the room.

Even mild expressions of anger can infect others with, fear, pain, resentment, disrespect, anger, bitterness and more. It leads to stress, confusion, disharmony, and strife. The infection is not limited to the target of the anger. Like a fog, it that settles over everyone within its reach, creating tension, disrespect, and fear of moving forward for fear of escalating the anger. It quashes freedom of speech and dampens interactions and progress—of building relationships, finding understanding, or meeting an agenda. In short, it is very damaging in many ways..

As the intensity of anger rises, infection escalates and can be crippling. Bitterness, a common by-product of living in an angry environment, lingers, spreads, and breeds anger in others. Left unchecked, bitterness and anger spread like an epidemic, infecting all areas of life—and leading to the infection of others.

It’s flu season. We’re constantly being warned to get the flu shot, wash our hands often, and keep our hands away from our faces. We try to avoid flu because it’s debilitating and once it comes in the home, it spreads to the family. We don’t want the flu and we don’t want our loved ones to get it.

We need to take the same precautions with anger, because it is contagious too. Once the infection is loosed, it’s hard to regain control and get rid of it.

The best way to guard against infecting others is to get rid of anger.

If you struggle with anger, you can find freedom in Christ by applying His Word to your life. Uprooting Anger: Destroying the Monster Within will help you identify the roots of your anger and get rid of the infection. You don’t have to be dragged down and be a source of damage to those you love. You can experience victory in Christ!

In the book, you can also find ways to restore relationships that have been damaged by anger. Buy the book now.