Interesting that you mention this because this has actually happened on occasion with my head pastor as far as talking with him, my dad tried talking with him as an individual and he got pretty mad, I talked to him as an individual and he seemed to get emotional as well. Again he talked with my dad and then told my dad he didn't say half the things he told me and that I took everything he said out of context. Who knew? :) Not only was this a big mess but my head pastor didn't listen to a lick of what was said.My dad and I decided to have witnesses present anytime we addressed him because he seemed to listen better and also its harder for two to take things out of context. This worked the first time when addressing the issues already present but the second time was a huge mess when addressing a new issue.My suggestion would be not to bypass what Scripture says rather find a witness that has seen and personally known the fits of rage and situation better than someone that is on the outside looking in. Family members tend to be a great witness in this case because they live with the person and are more likely to see the fits than the average person. Imagine an entire family coming to you telling you of their concern for fits of rage they have seen. Pretty hard to deny it I would think. Something that I find interesting about the model Jesus gives is the final step taking the person before the church, with this we have to ask what or who exactly is the church? Historically we can say organized religion but I find that to be a poor definition. Personally I view the church as a body of believers that have intimate fellowship and friendship with one another. So again imagine family and friends coming to you saying they are concerned about your fits of rage. intimate friends are likely to see these fits at some point. Ultimately I would stick to what the bible says but simply trying to find quality friends and family that know the situation and the problem and see it themselves coming together in prayer and Love for Christ to be Glorified. I hope that answered your question.Psalm91 I am glad that you have received peace for this situation keep praying and keep seeking Christ Jesus and in everything Love.God Bless,Matthew
_________________Matthew Guldner
God bless you, psalm91. I understand your dilemma quite well, although the offender is not my husband, the situation you and Matthew described is so close to one I am familiar with. There is one more point I would like to share. And this is the importance of confession and apology to the victims of your wrath.Sometimes it appears as though there has indeed been a change of heart in their attitude. Since this appears to be the case, you will drop your shield of caution only to find out later that what you had hoped for was not the case. By admitting to the victims your sin, you are acknowledging your damaging behaviours and how much pain you have inflicted upon them. This will enable the offender to more effectively work in becoming an overcomer. People run into trouble when they work to defend their sin, no matter which one[s] it is. It creates barriers everytime. And the tragedy is when they will then accuse you of all manners of....simply because you refuse to approve of their sin.BTW, mind if I ask one more question? Is there a possibility your DH is harboring unconfessed sin like immorality? or some other gross sin? Unresolved sin will motivate the offender to work on a cover-up (but failing miserably).God bless you, psalm91. Will trust and pray that your DH will find deliverance from his hypocrisy, his anger, his bitterness, his wrath.ginnyrose
_________________Sandra Miller
Ginnyrose,You asked if my DH may be harboring unconfessed sin like immorality or some other gross sin. Not as far as I know. He is very moral in conduct and I praise the LORD for that as I am all too aware these days of the terrible things many husbands are bound to. Thanks again for your encouraging words. I trust the LORD to work all this together for good and that He will make the changes necessary in both of us to make our marriage what He wants it to be for His glory! :)
You asked if my DH may be harboring unconfessed sin like immorality or some other gross sin. Not as far as I know. He is very moral in conduct and I praise the LORD for that as I am all too aware these days of the terrible things many husbands are bound to.
_________________Travis