0

Do You See Me As an Angry Person?

Do You See Me As an Angry Person

Photo: ©fizkes from Getty Images via Canva.com

One of the most effective leadership opportunities that you will have is to ask those close to you how they perceive you. And because we all struggle with anger, asking if they see you as an angry person is an excellent query for them. It takes a lot of humility to ask such a question, but the reward is immediate for you and those you love.

Read More from Brandi Huerta:

A couple of months ago, I asked my 18-year-old son and 21-year-old daughter if I could talk to them. As they sat, both searched my face for a clue as to what was coming. With a deep breath to quell the butterflies, I began,

I have become increasingly aware I don’t see myself clearly. There are some friends at church I have asked to speak into my life about sin patterns they see in me, but the truth is, I am probably not totally myself around them.

You guys live with me and spend the most time with me, and more than that, you love me and would never intentionally hurt me. I trust you. I’m asking you to do a hard thing, and I promise I won’t be mad, no matter what you say. I need you to tell me what I’m really like. How do I treat you? How have I sinned against you recently?”

Hard Questions

Silence.

I was not the only one for whom this was going to be difficult.

Finally, my son spoke up and reminded me of an incident a few days past. He had come into my office to tell me something, not realizing I was on the phone. I became very irritated at the disruption and rudely waved him off. He added two more similar stories.

The Spirit brought James 4:1-6 to mind as he was talking, and I felt actual pain. My impatience with the slightest interruptions at times reveals my desire to be the lord of my life. I demand to be served and punish those who interfere, even if they had no intention of doing so.

I looked into the face of the person who is arguably the biggest encourager I have and asked,

How did I make you feel?

No answer.

I hurt you, didn’t I?

He nodded.

Josiah, I am so, so sorry. Those things I did to you were very selfish and unkind. Will you please tell me when I act that way again because I certainly will? Will you please forgive me?

While I was still speaking, he threw his arms around me.

Of course I will. I love you.

Rick's Books on Amazon

Deeper Sanctification

I’m trying to make this kind of conversation a pattern, although this is one of the more difficult things I have ever done. In my head, I know I will need to repent and trust Christ every day in this life, and I will not be perfected until I am glorified; until then, I must persevere in sanctification (1 John 3:1-3).

Still, I live sometimes as if I am surprised I sin and still need the cross and the Lord’s grace. Do I want to be like Jesus, or do I want to hold onto my fig leaves? Every day, I must ask and answer this question.

Today, I run to the cross and the power of Christ not only to justify me but to conform me to His image. And I rejoice.

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. – Colossians 2:9-14

Call to Action

  1. Who do you need to ask how they see you? Because we all struggle with anger, asking if they perceive you as an angry person would be an excellent starter question.
  2. Will you go to that person today? Perhaps talking about this article together will provide you with the context for an in-depth conversation.
  3. Hard questions lead to deeper sanctification. Don’t you want that? Share with one other person what God did because of your obedience to ask the hard question.
  4. If you’re a parent who thinks you’ve blown it with your kids, please read Seven Tips for the Parent Who Blew It with Their Children.

Need More Help?

  1. If you want to learn more from us, you may search this site for thousands of resources—articles, podcasts, videos, graphics, and more. Please spend time studying the ones that interest you. They are free.
  2. If you want to talk to us, we have private forums for those who support this ministry financially. Please consider supporting us here if you would like to help us keep our resources free.

Mastermind Program Web Ready Banner