When You’re Ready To Flip Tables… Make A Whip

Hi I’m Chris McKinney and I write this newsletter. If you enjoy weekly doses of faith-based encouragement, subscribe below:

In my journey as a man, I’m often faced with the challenge of mastering my emotions, especially anger. Society often tells us that being a man means suppressing our feelings or letting our anger define us. But true manhood, as modeled by Jesus, calls for a different approach—one that involves understanding, controlling, and channeling our anger constructively.

For the most part, I’m a pretty passive person. We all have our boundaries, and when they’re crossed, look out! For me, that button is pressed when someone I care about is being mistreated. Normally, I’m pretty reserved, but that’s the one thing that just makes me furious.

I remember vividly when a close friend of mine was being treated unfairly by someone in our community. Watching the injustice unfold, I felt anger coursing through my veins, a fiery surge that seemed to consume my entire being. My heart pounded, my fists clenched, and I felt an overwhelming urge to confront the person right then and there.

If I had been a lesser man, I know I would have snapped and taken matters into my own hands. Thankfully, I didn’t. Deep down, I knew that reacting in that heated moment would only escalate the situation. It took every ounce of self-control to hold back and wait.

As the initial wave of anger subsided, a heavy feeling of numbness washed over me, almost as if my emotions had been drained. I felt a hollow ache, a sense of helplessness, and frustration. I found it hard to focus on anything else; the anger was all-encompassing, making it difficult to think clearly or act rationally.

With a prayer for wisdom and a heart seeking resolution rather than revenge, I approached the person responsible for the mistreatment. The conversation that followed was difficult but necessary.

Jesus' Example

One of my favorite stories about managing anger is when Jesus cleansed the temple. In John 2:13-15, we read, "The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables."

Let’s take a closer look at what Jesus did before driving out the money-changers. He made a whip. In Jesus' time, crafting a whip was a process that required materials and basic crafting skills. To make a whip, one would need cords or leather strips, a handle, and some binding material. The cords or leather strips were typically sourced from animal hides or sturdy plant fibers like flax or hemp. The handle was usually made from a piece of wood, selected for its durability and shaped to fit comfortably in the hand, generally around 1 to 2 feet in length. The binding material, such as twine, sinew, or additional leather strips, was used to securely attach the cords to the handle.

First, the cords needed to be cut to the desired length, which would take about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the tools available. Next, a suitable piece of wood had to be selected and smoothed for the handle, a task that could take another 10 to 20 minutes, especially if the wood was carved for a better grip. The most crucial step was attaching the cords to the handle. This involved wrapping and knotting the cords tightly around one end of the handle using the binding material, which would take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, the whip needed to be checked for balance and securely bound, with any necessary adjustments made in the last 5 to 10 minutes.

In total, crafting a simple whip would take around 40 to 65 minutes for someone familiar with the materials and techniques. You see, Jesus didn’t act on His emotions in the moment. He waited until He had fashioned a whip, which took some time to put together. If it were me, I probably would have run in there, made a scene, and dealt with the aftermath later. Jesus didn’t approach this upsetting situation in a reckless way; He chose to purposefully intervene. He showed His commitment to restoring the sanctity of God’s house.

Managing Anger

The Bible acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion, but it also warns us about the dangers of letting it control us. In Ephesians 4:26-27, it says, "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." This verse reminds us that while it's okay to feel angry, we shouldn't let it consume us or lead us into sinful behavior.

When anger flares up, our first instinct may be to react impulsively. But James 1:19-20 encourages us to take a different approach: "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." Instead of lashing out, take a moment to pause and pray for wisdom and self-control.

Anger often stems from deeper issues like hurt, injustice, or unmet expectations. In Proverbs 14:29, it says, "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." Take time to reflect on what's really bothering you, and address the root cause of your anger rather than just the surface issue.

One of the most powerful ways to diffuse anger is through forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 reminds us, "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." Just as God has forgiven us, we are called to extend forgiveness to others, releasing the grip of anger on our hearts.

Sometimes, we need a fresh perspective to help us navigate through our anger. Proverbs 15:22 advises, "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed." Don't hesitate to seek guidance from a trusted friend, mentor, or spiritual advisor who can offer insight and support.

Communication is key in processing through anger. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to "speak the truth in love," fostering understanding and reconciliation. Instead of bottling up your emotions or exploding in anger, express your feelings calmly and respectfully, striving for resolution.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and it's essential in managing anger. Proverbs 29:11 warns, "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." Instead of allowing anger to control you, choose to respond with patience and restraint, honoring God in your actions.

Reflection is a powerful tool in processing through anger. Psalm 4:4 encourages us to "ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent." Take time to examine your emotions and experiences, releasing any lingering anger through prayer and surrender to God's peace.

Instead of dwelling on past hurts or grievances, redirect your focus toward renewal and restoration. Romans 12:21 urges us, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Look for opportunities to extend grace, rebuild relationships, and foster healing in your life and the lives of others.

Ultimately, our trust in God's sovereignty can bring comfort and peace in the midst of anger. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Surrender your anger and concerns to God, trusting in His wisdom and guidance.

Navigating through anger isn't always easy, but with the guidance of scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can find a path to reconciliation. By pausing to pray, examining the source of our anger, and practicing forgiveness and self-control, we can honor God in our responses and experience greater peace in our relationships. As we strive to reflect the character of Christ, let's embrace these principles and allow them to transform our lives.

How do you manage anger? Let me know below.