The Gift of Anger

Welcome!  The Gift of Anger – what the Bible says is the official translation of my Dutch book. You can buy the English version as an e-book (epub) via my distributor BOEKEN very easily.

Thank you for your interest. May it help you with good communication when irritated or angry.

The summary of the content you can read here, followed by the theme’s of the  12 chapters and the 12 key-concepts.

Summary of The Gift of Anger – learning from 12 Biblestories

Anger can be difficult sometimes. But anger can also give you the energy to fight injustice. Is anger positive or negative? This book wants to help you to be angry in a positive way, so that stressful situations can be handled in a constructive way. And so that the situation changes for the better through good listening, telling the truth in love and, where necessary, taking steps of forgiveness.

Have you ever opened the Bible and looked for the topic of anger, either personally or in a discussion group? A lot can be learnt about interacting honestly and respectfully, even when situations are difficult and irritating. In this book you will learn from individuals like Cain, Jonah, Paul and Barnabas, Jacob and Esau, and, in particular, Jesus.

The 12 Bible stories and the 12 Key Concepts in this book provide a wide range of Biblical insights and practical tips. Questions for individual or group use help apply the material to daily life.

Chapters

1. Where is God when I’m angry?
Jealous anger: the murder of Abel by Cain – Genesis 4
2. Jesus could show great anger
Anger or sadness: Jesus heals on the Sabbath – Mark 3
3. I’ll kill him! 
Anger provoked by verbal attack: Shimei and David – 2 Samuel 16
4. Being angry with God. Is that okay?
Anger when God does not do things your way: Jonah (and Job) – Jonah 4
5. Jumping to the wrong conclusion
When misperception leads to misplaced anger – Joshua 22
6. Unity in disunity
Anger triggered by ambition: Jesus and his disciples – Luke 22 and John 17
7. Call someone to account? I don’t think so! 
Righteous anger: sacred love in the congregation – Matthew 18
8. The mantle of love 
Anger and/or love: resolving disputes – 1 Corinthians 13
9. My kingdom come 
Anger caused by disappointed pride: the healing of Naaman – 2 Kings 5
10. A golden duo falls apart 
Anger, bitterness or reconciliation: Paul and Barnabas – Acts 15
11. The brave choice to forgive
Feeling angry but still forgiving: Jacob and Esau – Genesis 33 and 1 John 1
12. The importance of effective communication 
When lack of clarity leads to anger– Acts 15

Appendices
A. Thirty days on anger –
B. Bibliography

Key Concepts
1. Expressions of anger
2. Talk to each other, not behind each other’s back
3. Acknowledging your blind spot
4. Angry letters
5. Anger and the brain
6. Unity is a choice
7. Appreciating differences
8. Win or lose
9. The Triplet for a good conversation
10. Behind every reproach lies a need
11. Who takes the initiative?
12. Learning about constructive communication

About the autor: Gerard van der Schee originally studied agricultural management at Wageningen University, later becoming a pastor and church-counselor. In association with the Dutch Network of Peacemakers, he provides support in stressful situations or conflicts. He worked for the Evangelical Alliance in Holland for 15 years.

At the end of that period, in 2006, the subject of anger became an increasingly central theme in his ministry. He organised the symposium The Mantle of love and wrote in 2013 the course The Gift of Anger with accompanying workbook. The Gift of Anger More than 1900 persons followed the course or a workshop already.

The book The Gift of Anger for Leaders with 22 stories from biblical and actual Dutch leaders is published in Dutch in 2018.