Letting Go of Anger: Releasing Judgments and Embracing Peace
Learn how releasing anger and judgment can lead to personal freedom and healing. Discover biblical insights on forgiveness and peace through the journey of Steven in Downfall.
Welcome to the "10 Lessons from Downfall" series! Each of these articles dives into the key themes and life-changing lessons from the book Downfall, offering biblical insights and practical applications for everyday life. Whether you’ve read the book or are simply looking for guidance in navigating faith, trials, and growth, these lessons are here to encourage and challenge you. Let’s explore what this powerful story can teach us about trusting God through life’s ups and downs.
Anger and judgment can feel so justified when we’ve been wronged, but holding onto them can trap us in bitterness and keep us from the freedom God wants for us. In Downfall, Steven’s story is one of learning to release the heavy burden of anger and judgment and discovering the peace that comes with forgiveness. His journey offers us practical and spiritual lessons on how to let go of bitterness and embrace the peace God promises.
The Weight of Anger
Anger often feels like something we deserve to hold onto when we’ve been hurt. Whether it’s a personal betrayal, an injustice done to us, or watching others suffer at the hands of evil, anger can grow, and soon it becomes a burden that’s hard to release. Steven, a major character in Downfall, knows this struggle all too well. When the people of Fides betray him and when those in leadership harm the people he loves, Steven’s anger becomes all-consuming.
But here’s the thing about anger: even when we feel justified, it weighs us down. Steven experiences this when his anger drives him to take extreme measures that ultimately lead to destruction. In an attempt to stand up for his people, he ends up making rash decisions that only cause more pain. His actions remind us that holding onto anger doesn’t just hurt others—it hurts us, too.
The Bible speaks to this as well:
"In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold" (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Anger isn’t a sin in itself, but when we allow it to fester, it becomes a foothold for greater harm—both to ourselves and others.
Why Releasing Judgments is Key to Freedom
Part of Steven’s journey involves not just releasing his anger, but also releasing the judgments he’s made against those who have wronged him. When we feel hurt, we often create judgments about people—deciding in our hearts that they are beyond redemption, that they deserve punishment, or that they’ll never change. But judgment is not our job.
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:1-2).
We see this clearly in Downfall. Steven becomes so focused on the wrongs done to him that he takes on the role of judge and jury. In doing so, he closes himself off from the possibility of reconciliation or redemption—for others and for himself.
When we hold onto judgment, it keeps us from experiencing God’s grace. Instead of trusting God to bring justice in His perfect time, we carry the burden of deciding what others deserve. But God calls us to release that weight and trust Him to handle justice.
How to Let Go of Anger and Judgments
Letting go of anger and judgment isn’t easy, but it’s essential for our spiritual and emotional well-being. Here are a few ways to begin releasing these burdens:
Acknowledge the hurt: Before we can release anger, we need to acknowledge that we’ve been hurt. It’s okay to feel the pain, but don’t let it control you.
Pray for those who’ve wronged you: It may sound counterintuitive, but praying for those who hurt you can soften your heart and help you release bitterness. Jesus instructed us to do this for a reason: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
Leave judgment to God: Trust that God sees everything and will bring justice in His perfect time. When we release judgment, we make room for God’s grace to work in ways we might not expect. "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord (Romans 12:19).
Forgive, even when it’s hard: Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or ignoring the hurt. It means releasing the hold that anger has on you. Forgiveness brings freedom. "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13).
Finding Peace After Letting Go
Steven’s journey in Downfall teaches us that peace comes only when we release the anger and judgments we hold onto. By the end of his story, Steven experiences a transformation. After confronting the consequences of his actions, he learns that forgiveness—both giving and receiving it—is the path to true freedom. And that’s a lesson for all of us.
Letting go of anger and judgment doesn’t mean that everything will be perfect. People may still hurt us, and injustices will still happen. But when we release those burdens to God, we can experience His peace—the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). That peace allows us to live without the weight of bitterness and with the joy of knowing that God is in control.
Steven’s story in Downfall is a powerful reminder that holding onto anger and judgment can lead us down a path of destruction. But when we choose to release those burdens and trust God with justice, we experience the peace that only He can provide. If you haven’t yet read Downfall, pick it up to follow Steven’s incredible journey toward healing, forgiveness, and transformation.
Haven’t had a chance to read Downfall yet? This story of perseverance, faith, and redemption is filled with raw emotions, struggles, and victories that will resonate with your own walk of faith. You’ll find powerful lessons combined with epic action and complex characters. Grab a copy today and experience the journey for yourself!