Heaven’s influence on our lives is never greater than when our sights are fixed upon it. The man or woman whose eyes are turned upward will be marked by a life lived differently. We know this because of the accounts of those who determined to fix their gaze far above the earth. Moses is a perfect example.
In Pharaoh’s house, Moses had every benefit laid at his feet. Yet, he was not captivated by the security of the Egyptian court because “he was looking ahead to his reward” (Hebrews 11:26). For Moses, looking upward equated to living beyond the fleeting rewards of playing it safe, resulting in the deliverance of millions of his people from bondage.
Missionary to China, Hudson Taylor was another who lived with heaven in constant view. In writing about winning souls to Christ, Taylor said, “China is not to be won for Christ by quiet, ease-loving men and women.” Through his courageous, some might say outrageous, trust in God, he inspired thousands to forsake the comforts of the West to bring the gospel to China's vast, unknown interior.
The Magi of the Christmas account trained their eye on the heavenly star so they might find the Christ Child and worship Him. Christian, what are your sights set on? What is the driving force in your worship of your King? I pray that you turn your eyes upward to that which will one day be yours—heaven.
Anger is one of the most common human emotions, and one of the most dangerous when left unchecked. It can erupt quickly, grow silently, or simmer beneath the surface for years. Scripture teaches that anger is not simply a reaction; it is a revelation of what is happening in your heart. And while there is such a thing as righteous anger, most of the anger that affects our lives is not righteous at all. It is fleshly, personal, reactive, and destructive.
Pastor Jack Hibbs often says that the Christian life must be lived from the inside out. Anger proves that. What grows inside eventually shows up outside. Jesus did not lower the standard on anger; He raised it. He showed us that anger left unresolved is a spiritual danger, a seed that can grow into something far worse.
In this devotional message adapted into a long-form teaching, we explore what God says about anger, how it affects the believer, and how to defeat it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Below are five essential truths that every follower of Jesus must understand if they want to overcome anger and walk in peace.
Anger Reveals the Condition of the Heart
Anger never appears without a cause. It is always pointing to something deeper. Jesus taught in Matthew 5 that anger itself places a person in spiritual danger. You do not have to commit violence to be guilty before God. Anger hidden in the heart is visible to Him. Bitterness rehearsed in the mind is heard by Him. Resentment carried secretly is confronted by Him.
Many believers excuse anger because they do not act on it outwardly. They think that because they have not yelled or struck someone, they are fine. But Jesus says the real battlefield is inside. Anger shapes your thoughts, influences your conversations, and eventually molds your behavior. What begins as a quiet irritation can grow into a destructive pattern that harms your relationships and disrupts your fellowship with God.
It is possible to live your entire life without committing a violent act, yet still be shaped by an angry spirit. The truth is simple and convicting. What you harbor will eventually take root. What you rehearse will eventually show in your words. What you justify will eventually guide your decisions.
God does not expose anger to shame you. He exposes it so you can be healed. When anger rises, He is inviting you to look inside and ask, “Why is this happening in my heart?” That question is the beginning of transformation.
What Scripture Teaches About Anger and Its Consequences
Anger is not always sinful. There is a righteous anger that responds to what dishonors God. Jesus displayed this anger when He cleansed the temple. He was not defending Himself. He was defending the Father’s glory. But this type of anger is rare for most of us. More often, our anger is personal. It rises when our pride is bruised, when we feel disrespected, or when something does not go our way.
James 1:19–20 tells us to be slow to speak, slow to anger, and quick to listen because the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Human anger never leads to holy results. You cannot yell someone into righteousness. You cannot intimidate someone into godliness. Emotional explosions do not build the kingdom of God. They tear it down.
Scripture also warns us about the danger of unresolved anger. Ephesians 4:26–27 says to not let the sun go down on your anger so that you do not give place to the devil. Anger that lingers becomes a foothold for spiritual attack. It becomes an opening for bitterness, resentment, and division.
Anger can also distort your perception. When you are angry, you stop listening. You misinterpret motives. You replay offenses. You build an entire narrative in your head that may have little connection to truth. Anger twists your view until you can no longer see clearly. That is why angry decisions often lead to regret.
Jesus takes anger seriously because He knows what it grows into. Anger is the seed of hatred. It is the seed of revenge. It is the seed of every relational fracture that divides families, friendships, and churches. If you want to defeat sin at the root, you must confront anger when it first appears.
The Spiritual Roots Behind Anger and the Battle for Your Mind
When God confronted Cain in Genesis 4, He asked a simple but profound question: “Why are you angry?” God was not asking for information. He was asking Cain to examine his heart. Underneath anger there is always something deeper. It may be pride, insecurity, jealousy, disappointment, fear, or a wound that has never healed.
Anger is often a mask. It hides weakness. It hides pain. It hides hurt. It hides the parts of us we do not want others to see. But God sees every hidden place. And He wants to heal what is broken. The enemy, however, wants to keep that wound open so he can manipulate it.
Your anger is not simply an emotional issue. It is a spiritual issue. It is not just about your reaction to a situation. It is about what has been left unaddressed in your heart. Anger grows strongest in those who refuse to examine themselves.
Another dangerous form of anger is the one disguised as strength. Some people use anger to control others. They raise their voice, intimidate, or dominate. They think the loudest person is the strongest person. Scripture says otherwise. Proverbs 16:32 declares that the one who rules his spirit is stronger than the one who takes a city. In God’s eyes, self-control is greater than force. Humility is greater than intimidation. Gentleness is greater than aggression.
Anger is also a fire. Proverbs 29:11 says that a fool vents all his feelings, but the wise hold them back. Wisdom pauses. Wisdom prays. Wisdom refuses to let emotions dictate direction. If you follow anger, you will walk into destruction. If you follow the Holy Spirit, you will walk into peace.
Anger left unattended is like an ember that waits for oxygen. Any small offense can ignite it into flames. The longer anger stays in your heart, the easier it is for the enemy to pour fuel on it. God calls you to deal with it quickly, because the longer it remains the deeper its roots grow.
How to Break Free from Anger Through the Power of the Holy Spirit
You cannot defeat anger through willpower. You cannot conquer anger by telling yourself to calm down. Anger must be surrendered. It must be brought into the light. It must be laid at the feet of Jesus. Only the Holy Spirit can change the heart behind the anger.
The first step is confession. Admit when anger has taken hold. Admit when it has shaped your reactions. Admit when it has hurt others. God already knows. Confession is for your freedom.
The second step is examination. Ask the Lord to show you the root. Is it pride? Is it jealousy? Is it insecurity? Is it fear? Is it an old wound? God asks honest questions because He desires honest answers. The Holy Spirit reveals truth so that healing can begin.
The third step is reconciliation. Jesus instructs us to make things right quickly. If you have spoken harshly, apologize. If you have held onto bitterness, forgive. If you have avoided someone because of anger, humble yourself and restore the relationship. You cannot walk in peace with God while refusing peace with others.
The fourth step is surrender. You must surrender your right to be angry. You must surrender your desire for revenge. You must surrender the internal script that keeps replaying what happened. Anger thrives in those who refuse surrender. Peace thrives in those who yield to the Spirit.
The final step is discipline. Learn to pause before you speak. Learn to pray before you react. Learn to listen before you assume. The more you walk in the Spirit, the less control anger has over you.
Walking in the Peace of Christ Instead of the Pattern of Anger
God calls His people to peace. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Peacemakers are not passive. They are powerful. They confront situations with truth and grace. They refuse to respond in the flesh. They refuse to let anger dictate their steps.
When you walk in the peace of Christ, you stop reacting and start responding. You stop rehearsing offenses and start releasing them. You stop defending your pride and start displaying humility. Anger loses its grip on a heart that is surrendered to the Holy Spirit.
Your witness is strengthened when your anger is weakened. People notice when a Christian responds differently. When you choose peace instead of rage, humility instead of pride, forgiveness instead of bitterness, the world sees Jesus in you.
God has called you to walk in strength, and strength is not loud. Strength is obedient. Strength is self-controlled. Strength is surrendered. Strength is peaceful. The supernatural strength of the Spirit is far greater than the natural strength of anger.
Do not let anger win. Lay it down. Give it to God. Let Him heal the places where pain has lived for too long. Let Him guard your heart. Let Him renew your mind. Let Him shape your responses. Peace is possible because His Spirit lives within you.
Let’s Pray
Father, help me to be slow to anger and quick to listen. I do not want my emotions to lead me. I want to be led by Your Spirit. Forgive me for the times I have spoken harshly, acted impulsively, or let bitterness take root in my heart. Teach me to respond with grace, to pause before reacting, and to walk in humility. Fill me with Your peace so that even when I am provoked, I choose patience over pride. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Anger is one of the most common human emotions, and one of the most dangerous when left unchecked. It can erupt quickly, grow silently, or simmer beneath the surface for years. Scripture teaches that anger is not simply a reaction; it is a revelation of what is happening in your heart. And while there is such a thing as righteous anger, most of the anger that affects our lives is not righteous at all. It is fleshly, personal, reactive, and destructive.
Pastor Jack Hibbs often says that the Christian life must be lived from the inside out. Anger proves that. What grows inside eventually shows up outside. Jesus did not lower the standard on anger; He raised it. He showed us that anger left unresolved is a spiritual danger, a seed that can grow into something far worse.
In this devotional message adapted into a long-form teaching, we explore what God says about anger, how it affects the believer, and how to defeat it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Below are five essential truths that every follower of Jesus must understand if they want to overcome anger and walk in peace.
Anger Reveals the Condition of the Heart
Anger never appears without a cause. It is always pointing to something deeper. Jesus taught in Matthew 5 that anger itself places a person in spiritual danger. You do not have to commit violence to be guilty before God. Anger hidden in the heart is visible to Him. Bitterness rehearsed in the mind is heard by Him. Resentment carried secretly is confronted by Him.
Many believers excuse anger because they do not act on it outwardly. They think that because they have not yelled or struck someone, they are fine. But Jesus says the real battlefield is inside. Anger shapes your thoughts, influences your conversations, and eventually molds your behavior. What begins as a quiet irritation can grow into a destructive pattern that harms your relationships and disrupts your fellowship with God.
It is possible to live your entire life without committing a violent act, yet still be shaped by an angry spirit. The truth is simple and convicting. What you harbor will eventually take root. What you rehearse will eventually show in your words. What you justify will eventually guide your decisions.
God does not expose anger to shame you. He exposes it so you can be healed. When anger rises, He is inviting you to look inside and ask, “Why is this happening in my heart?” That question is the beginning of transformation.
What Scripture Teaches About Anger and Its Consequences
Anger is not always sinful. There is a righteous anger that responds to what dishonors God. Jesus displayed this anger when He cleansed the temple. He was not defending Himself. He was defending the Father’s glory. But this type of anger is rare for most of us. More often, our anger is personal. It rises when our pride is bruised, when we feel disrespected, or when something does not go our way.
James 1:19–20 tells us to be slow to speak, slow to anger, and quick to listen because the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Human anger never leads to holy results. You cannot yell someone into righteousness. You cannot intimidate someone into godliness. Emotional explosions do not build the kingdom of God. They tear it down.
Scripture also warns us about the danger of unresolved anger. Ephesians 4:26–27 says to not let the sun go down on your anger so that you do not give place to the devil. Anger that lingers becomes a foothold for spiritual attack. It becomes an opening for bitterness, resentment, and division.
Anger can also distort your perception. When you are angry, you stop listening. You misinterpret motives. You replay offenses. You build an entire narrative in your head that may have little connection to truth. Anger twists your view until you can no longer see clearly. That is why angry decisions often lead to regret.
Jesus takes anger seriously because He knows what it grows into. Anger is the seed of hatred. It is the seed of revenge. It is the seed of every relational fracture that divides families, friendships, and churches. If you want to defeat sin at the root, you must confront anger when it first appears.
The Spiritual Roots Behind Anger and the Battle for Your Mind
When God confronted Cain in Genesis 4, He asked a simple but profound question: “Why are you angry?” God was not asking for information. He was asking Cain to examine his heart. Underneath anger there is always something deeper. It may be pride, insecurity, jealousy, disappointment, fear, or a wound that has never healed.
Anger is often a mask. It hides weakness. It hides pain. It hides hurt. It hides the parts of us we do not want others to see. But God sees every hidden place. And He wants to heal what is broken. The enemy, however, wants to keep that wound open so he can manipulate it.
Your anger is not simply an emotional issue. It is a spiritual issue. It is not just about your reaction to a situation. It is about what has been left unaddressed in your heart. Anger grows strongest in those who refuse to examine themselves.
Another dangerous form of anger is the one disguised as strength. Some people use anger to control others. They raise their voice, intimidate, or dominate. They think the loudest person is the strongest person. Scripture says otherwise. Proverbs 16:32 declares that the one who rules his spirit is stronger than the one who takes a city. In God’s eyes, self-control is greater than force. Humility is greater than intimidation. Gentleness is greater than aggression.
Anger is also a fire. Proverbs 29:11 says that a fool vents all his feelings, but the wise hold them back. Wisdom pauses. Wisdom prays. Wisdom refuses to let emotions dictate direction. If you follow anger, you will walk into destruction. If you follow the Holy Spirit, you will walk into peace.
Anger left unattended is like an ember that waits for oxygen. Any small offense can ignite it into flames. The longer anger stays in your heart, the easier it is for the enemy to pour fuel on it. God calls you to deal with it quickly, because the longer it remains the deeper its roots grow.
How to Break Free from Anger Through the Power of the Holy Spirit
You cannot defeat anger through willpower. You cannot conquer anger by telling yourself to calm down. Anger must be surrendered. It must be brought into the light. It must be laid at the feet of Jesus. Only the Holy Spirit can change the heart behind the anger.
The first step is confession. Admit when anger has taken hold. Admit when it has shaped your reactions. Admit when it has hurt others. God already knows. Confession is for your freedom.
The second step is examination. Ask the Lord to show you the root. Is it pride? Is it jealousy? Is it insecurity? Is it fear? Is it an old wound? God asks honest questions because He desires honest answers. The Holy Spirit reveals truth so that healing can begin.
The third step is reconciliation. Jesus instructs us to make things right quickly. If you have spoken harshly, apologize. If you have held onto bitterness, forgive. If you have avoided someone because of anger, humble yourself and restore the relationship. You cannot walk in peace with God while refusing peace with others.
The fourth step is surrender. You must surrender your right to be angry. You must surrender your desire for revenge. You must surrender the internal script that keeps replaying what happened. Anger thrives in those who refuse surrender. Peace thrives in those who yield to the Spirit.
The final step is discipline. Learn to pause before you speak. Learn to pray before you react. Learn to listen before you assume. The more you walk in the Spirit, the less control anger has over you.
Walking in the Peace of Christ Instead of the Pattern of Anger
God calls His people to peace. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Peacemakers are not passive. They are powerful. They confront situations with truth and grace. They refuse to respond in the flesh. They refuse to let anger dictate their steps.
When you walk in the peace of Christ, you stop reacting and start responding. You stop rehearsing offenses and start releasing them. You stop defending your pride and start displaying humility. Anger loses its grip on a heart that is surrendered to the Holy Spirit.
Your witness is strengthened when your anger is weakened. People notice when a Christian responds differently. When you choose peace instead of rage, humility instead of pride, forgiveness instead of bitterness, the world sees Jesus in you.
God has called you to walk in strength, and strength is not loud. Strength is obedient. Strength is self-controlled. Strength is surrendered. Strength is peaceful. The supernatural strength of the Spirit is far greater than the natural strength of anger.
Do not let anger win. Lay it down. Give it to God. Let Him heal the places where pain has lived for too long. Let Him guard your heart. Let Him renew your mind. Let Him shape your responses. Peace is possible because His Spirit lives within you.
Let’s Pray
Father, help me to be slow to anger and quick to listen. I do not want my emotions to lead me. I want to be led by Your Spirit. Forgive me for the times I have spoken harshly, acted impulsively, or let bitterness take root in my heart. Teach me to respond with grace, to pause before reacting, and to walk in humility. Fill me with Your peace so that even when I am provoked, I choose patience over pride. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Do Not Let Anger Win: Guard Your Heart and Walk in Peace
The Daniel Cohen Show on Real Life Network keeps pulling on the same thread: truth is being punished, lies are being rewarded, and the public square is being discipled by whoever speaks the loudest. From Elon Musk acknowledging the Creator, to Hollywood celebrities demanding the release of a convicted terrorist, to Hamas being exposed for hoarding baby formula while accusing Israel of starvation, the battle is not just political. It is spiritual. And it touches everything from universities to immigration to the Middle East.
Elon Musk Admits a Creator and the Door That Opens
Elon Musk is not a pastor. He is not a theologian. He is an engineer’s engineer, the kind of mind that lives inside systems, design, and cause and effect. That is why his words land with weight when he says he looks up to “the Creator” and affirms that the universe came from “something.” For a culture trained to treat God like a punchline, even a small confession like that is a crack of light.
Scripture has always said creation testifies. The universe is ordered, mathematical, fine tuned, and breathtaking. Artwork implies an artist. Design implies a designer. And when a man who builds rockets and studies complexity admits there is a Creator behind it all, the next question becomes unavoidable: Who is that Creator, and what does He require of us?
That is where so many public figures stall. They may respect “principles” of Christianity, admire forgiveness, or call themselves “cultural Christians,” but never cross the line into the name above every name. Yet the Bible does not present God as an idea to admire. He is a personal, holy Creator, and every human being will stand before Him.
And that question is not just for billionaires. It is for you, for your family, and for a nation that has tried to replace worship with technology, politics, and entertainment. We are watching a society that can build advanced machines yet cannot answer the simplest human question: Why are we here?
Hollywood Defends a Convicted Terrorist as Hamas is Caught Hoarding Aid
While one headline hints at awakening, another exposes moral collapse. Hollywood celebrities signing petitions for the release of Marwan Barghouti is not “human rights advocacy.” It is propaganda. Barghouti is not a misunderstood freedom fighter. He is a convicted terrorist tied to attacks that targeted civilians. The attempt to rebrand him as a Mandela figure is a lie that collapses the definition of justice.
This is what happens when a culture loses its moral compass. It starts calling evil good, calls violence “resistance,” and treats the shedding of innocent blood like an unfortunate footnote. When celebrities with global platforms use their influence to sanctify terror, they are not standing for peace. They are laundering evil through fame.
At the same time, Israel continues to be vindicated as the narrative machine breaks down. A new discovery inside Gaza reveals Hamas hiding baby formula in secret warehouses while accusing Israel of starving children. Read that again. Hamas hoarded supplies, hid them, and then weaponized images and headlines to smear Israel. Terror groups do what terror groups do. But the scandal is how quickly major outlets and global institutions have repeated Hamas talking points like scripture.
This is not a minor media failure. It is blood libel in real time. If Hamas can hide formula and still win sympathy, it proves how powerful misinformation becomes when truth is treated as optional. And this is why the battle lines feel so clear. When truth is inconvenient, the powerful do not debate it, they bury it. They elevate narratives, not facts. They protect images, not lives.
Universities, Elections, and the Hope of the Gospel
This same war on truth shows up at home. Universities increasingly operate like re education systems where dissent is treated like harm and biology is treated like hate. Politics follows the same pattern. Consider the Jasmine Crockett comments and the backpedaling when receipts are read aloud. The playbook is predictable: say something inflammatory, deny you meant it, then accuse critics of being the problem.
It is also why Europe is becoming a warning sign. When public celebrations require barriers, metal detectors, and guards, something deeper is happening than “crime.” When Christmas markets become security hazards and churches are desecrated, the question is not whether it is happening. The question is why leaders keep pretending it is normal.
Then add the algorithmic pipeline aimed at children. If a major streamer is comfortable pushing sexual ideology into kids programming, parents must wake up. Your home has windows. Eyes and ears are gates. And what discipled a generation will shape a nation.
Still, the Daniel Cohen Show does not end in despair, because the gospel is not fragile. Revival is not powered by celebrity petitions or political spin. It is powered by the Spirit of God through ordinary believers who repent, pray, and speak truth without fear.
The hope of the gospel is not that we will engineer our way out of sin, vote our way out of judgment, or entertain our way into meaning. The hope is Jesus Christ. God the Creator entered His creation. He lived without sin. He died as a substitute for sinners. He rose again. He commands repentance and faith. And He offers real forgiveness, not the kind that pretends evil is good, but the kind that names sin honestly and washes it clean by His blood. Heaven will not be filled with people who claimed moral superiority. It will be filled with forgiven people who trusted Christ.
If you are watching the West fracture, do not only rage. Pray. Speak. Stand. And do not forget: the loudest voices in the culture are not the final authority. God is.
Watch and share:
Watch The Daniel Cohen Show on Real Life Network
The Daniel Cohen Show on Real Life Network keeps pulling on the same thread: truth is being punished, lies are being rewarded, and the public square is being discipled by whoever speaks the loudest. From Elon Musk acknowledging the Creator, to Hollywood celebrities demanding the release of a convicted terrorist, to Hamas being exposed for hoarding baby formula while accusing Israel of starvation, the battle is not just political. It is spiritual. And it touches everything from universities to immigration to the Middle East.
Elon Musk Admits a Creator and the Door That Opens
Elon Musk is not a pastor. He is not a theologian. He is an engineer’s engineer, the kind of mind that lives inside systems, design, and cause and effect. That is why his words land with weight when he says he looks up to “the Creator” and affirms that the universe came from “something.” For a culture trained to treat God like a punchline, even a small confession like that is a crack of light.
Scripture has always said creation testifies. The universe is ordered, mathematical, fine tuned, and breathtaking. Artwork implies an artist. Design implies a designer. And when a man who builds rockets and studies complexity admits there is a Creator behind it all, the next question becomes unavoidable: Who is that Creator, and what does He require of us?
That is where so many public figures stall. They may respect “principles” of Christianity, admire forgiveness, or call themselves “cultural Christians,” but never cross the line into the name above every name. Yet the Bible does not present God as an idea to admire. He is a personal, holy Creator, and every human being will stand before Him.
And that question is not just for billionaires. It is for you, for your family, and for a nation that has tried to replace worship with technology, politics, and entertainment. We are watching a society that can build advanced machines yet cannot answer the simplest human question: Why are we here?
Hollywood Defends a Convicted Terrorist as Hamas is Caught Hoarding Aid
While one headline hints at awakening, another exposes moral collapse. Hollywood celebrities signing petitions for the release of Marwan Barghouti is not “human rights advocacy.” It is propaganda. Barghouti is not a misunderstood freedom fighter. He is a convicted terrorist tied to attacks that targeted civilians. The attempt to rebrand him as a Mandela figure is a lie that collapses the definition of justice.
This is what happens when a culture loses its moral compass. It starts calling evil good, calls violence “resistance,” and treats the shedding of innocent blood like an unfortunate footnote. When celebrities with global platforms use their influence to sanctify terror, they are not standing for peace. They are laundering evil through fame.
At the same time, Israel continues to be vindicated as the narrative machine breaks down. A new discovery inside Gaza reveals Hamas hiding baby formula in secret warehouses while accusing Israel of starving children. Read that again. Hamas hoarded supplies, hid them, and then weaponized images and headlines to smear Israel. Terror groups do what terror groups do. But the scandal is how quickly major outlets and global institutions have repeated Hamas talking points like scripture.
This is not a minor media failure. It is blood libel in real time. If Hamas can hide formula and still win sympathy, it proves how powerful misinformation becomes when truth is treated as optional. And this is why the battle lines feel so clear. When truth is inconvenient, the powerful do not debate it, they bury it. They elevate narratives, not facts. They protect images, not lives.
Universities, Elections, and the Hope of the Gospel
This same war on truth shows up at home. Universities increasingly operate like re education systems where dissent is treated like harm and biology is treated like hate. Politics follows the same pattern. Consider the Jasmine Crockett comments and the backpedaling when receipts are read aloud. The playbook is predictable: say something inflammatory, deny you meant it, then accuse critics of being the problem.
It is also why Europe is becoming a warning sign. When public celebrations require barriers, metal detectors, and guards, something deeper is happening than “crime.” When Christmas markets become security hazards and churches are desecrated, the question is not whether it is happening. The question is why leaders keep pretending it is normal.
Then add the algorithmic pipeline aimed at children. If a major streamer is comfortable pushing sexual ideology into kids programming, parents must wake up. Your home has windows. Eyes and ears are gates. And what discipled a generation will shape a nation.
Still, the Daniel Cohen Show does not end in despair, because the gospel is not fragile. Revival is not powered by celebrity petitions or political spin. It is powered by the Spirit of God through ordinary believers who repent, pray, and speak truth without fear.
The hope of the gospel is not that we will engineer our way out of sin, vote our way out of judgment, or entertain our way into meaning. The hope is Jesus Christ. God the Creator entered His creation. He lived without sin. He died as a substitute for sinners. He rose again. He commands repentance and faith. And He offers real forgiveness, not the kind that pretends evil is good, but the kind that names sin honestly and washes it clean by His blood. Heaven will not be filled with people who claimed moral superiority. It will be filled with forgiven people who trusted Christ.
If you are watching the West fracture, do not only rage. Pray. Speak. Stand. And do not forget: the loudest voices in the culture are not the final authority. God is.
Watch and share:
Watch The Daniel Cohen Show on Real Life Network
Elon Musk, Hollywood, and the War on Truth
Screens are an unavoidable part of life, and today’s families face more entertainment choices than ever. Yet one trend has become increasingly clear: mainstream media is growing more graphic. Scenes that were once considered inappropriate for network television are now commonplace in streaming shows, movies, and even animated programs marketed to teens.
Parents who want to protect their children from unnecessary violence often feel caught between cultural norms and their desire to shield young minds. The question many are asking is whether this level of exposure is healthy, and what alternatives exist for families who want content that edifies rather than unsettles.
Understanding how violent imagery affects children, teens, and even adults is the first step in shaping healthier viewing habits. And as more families seek meaningful, non-graphic entertainment, faith-based platforms like Real Life Network are becoming welcome havens.
The Rise of Violence in Modern Media
Over the last twenty years, violence on television and in film has not only become more frequent, but it has become more explicit. Streaming platforms have pushed boundaries that traditional networks once maintained, introducing darker themes, grittier realism, and scenes designed to shock or provoke.
Several factors contribute to this shift:
- The pressure to keep audiences engaged through intensity
- The popularity of dark, post-apocalyptic, or dystopian storylines
- The influence of horror and action genres on mainstream storytelling
- The demand for “edgier” content to stand out in crowded streaming libraries
Not all conflict is harmful, of course. Stories have always included tension and struggle. The concern arises when violence becomes graphic, celebrated, or normalized to the point where viewers—especially young ones—absorb it without context or caution.
How Violent Content Affects Children and Teens
Researchers have studied the effects of violent media for decades. While findings vary, there is consistent agreement on several key points.
1. Increased Anxiety
Children who watch violent or intense scenes, particularly at night or in binge-style viewing, often experience:
- Heightened worry
- Nightmares
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty distinguishing entertainment from reality
Younger children are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing the ability to process and evaluate emotionally charged material.
2. Emotional Numbing
Repeated exposure to graphic or sensational violence can cause children and teens to become less sensitive to suffering or danger. This “numbing” effect doesn’t make them harmful; it simply dulls their normal emotional responses, making serious situations seem trivial.
3. Stress Responses and PTSD-Like Symptoms
While the word “trauma” should not be used lightly, psychologists note that graphic or disturbing imagery can trigger stress responses similar to those seen in real-life traumatic events. Children with anxiety disorders, past trauma, or high sensitivity are particularly at risk.
4. Difficulty Processing Conflict in Healthy Ways
Entertainment that resolves everything through aggression subtly teaches that force is a first resort rather than a last one. Over time, it can influence how young people understand:
- Anger
- Problem-solving
- Emotional regulation
- Respect for others
These concerns don’t mean that one action movie will harm a child. But consistent exposure over time can shape patterns of thinking and emotional responses without families even noticing.
What About Violence in Video Games?
Video games vary widely, and not every game is harmful. Many are educational, peaceful, or creative. But games that reward aggression or immerse players in graphic imagery can influence how young people process conflict and stress.
Potential concerns include:
- Increased heart rate and stress levels
- Difficulty calming down after play
- Desensitization to violent behavior
- Reduced sleep quality when gaming at night
- Potential addiction patterns connected to adrenaline-driven gameplay
The issue isn’t simply “video games are bad,” but rather how frequently children engage with fast-paced, violent content and how little downtime their minds receive afterward.
But Isn’t There Violence in the Bible?
Yes, the Bible contains accounts of war, persecution, and injustice. These passages are not hidden; they have value and purpose. Scripture is honest about the brokenness of the world and the consequences of sin.
The key difference is this:
Biblical violence is descriptive, not sensational.
It’s presented within moral framework:
- God condemns unjust violence
- Scripture calls believers to peace and self-control
- Violence is shown as the result of humanity’s fallenness, not entertainment
- Biblical narratives point toward redemption, not spectacle
In contrast, modern entertainment often uses violence purely to shock, entertain, or escalate intensity.
Reading about a battle described in Scripture is not the same as watching a graphic portrayal of one. Visual imagery affects the brain differently, especially in children, triggering emotional responses that linger longer and cut deeper.
Are Faith-Based Shows Less Violent Than Mainstream TV?
Generally speaking, yes. Faith-based programming tends to handle conflict with purpose, moderation, and respect for the audience.
These characteristics set faith-driven content apart:
- Less graphic imagery
- No glorification of brutality
- Stories built around redemption, courage, or moral decisions
- Violence (when present) handled with restraint
- Themes focused on hope rather than darkness
This doesn’t mean faith-based production avoids difficult topics. It means they approach those topics with care and a commitment to honoring both truth and viewer well-being.
Families looking for a safer media environment often find that faith-based platforms offer the emotional, spiritual, and developmental benefits that mainstream entertainment lacks.
Why Real Life Network Offers a Safer Alternative
Real Life Network was created for families who want content that builds up rather than tears down. In a culture where violent media is becoming more common, RLN provides a refuge of clean, encouraging, and thoughtful programming.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- No graphic violence
- No sensationalized brutality
- Teaching and stories rooted in Scripture
- Content that promotes emotional health and biblical worldview
- Options for kids, teens, adults, and small groups
- Sermons, documentaries, studies, and conversations centered on truth, not shock value
Parents can know exactly what their children are watching and can feel confident that the material won’t expose young minds to images they aren’t prepared to process.
Whether a family wants animated stories, biblical teaching, worldview discussions, or documentaries with depth but not intensity, RLN provides content that is safe, uplifting, and grounded in truth.
Violence in media isn’t going away, and families can’t avoid every difficult topic. But they can choose what enters the home, what fills the mind, and what shapes a child’s imagination. Faith-based content offers a healthier path—one that brings peace rather than anxiety, strength rather than confusion, and encouragement rather than disturbance.
Explore safe, family-friendly, and biblically grounded content anytime on Real Life Network.
Screens are an unavoidable part of life, and today’s families face more entertainment choices than ever. Yet one trend has become increasingly clear: mainstream media is growing more graphic. Scenes that were once considered inappropriate for network television are now commonplace in streaming shows, movies, and even animated programs marketed to teens.
Parents who want to protect their children from unnecessary violence often feel caught between cultural norms and their desire to shield young minds. The question many are asking is whether this level of exposure is healthy, and what alternatives exist for families who want content that edifies rather than unsettles.
Understanding how violent imagery affects children, teens, and even adults is the first step in shaping healthier viewing habits. And as more families seek meaningful, non-graphic entertainment, faith-based platforms like Real Life Network are becoming welcome havens.
The Rise of Violence in Modern Media
Over the last twenty years, violence on television and in film has not only become more frequent, but it has become more explicit. Streaming platforms have pushed boundaries that traditional networks once maintained, introducing darker themes, grittier realism, and scenes designed to shock or provoke.
Several factors contribute to this shift:
- The pressure to keep audiences engaged through intensity
- The popularity of dark, post-apocalyptic, or dystopian storylines
- The influence of horror and action genres on mainstream storytelling
- The demand for “edgier” content to stand out in crowded streaming libraries
Not all conflict is harmful, of course. Stories have always included tension and struggle. The concern arises when violence becomes graphic, celebrated, or normalized to the point where viewers—especially young ones—absorb it without context or caution.
How Violent Content Affects Children and Teens
Researchers have studied the effects of violent media for decades. While findings vary, there is consistent agreement on several key points.
1. Increased Anxiety
Children who watch violent or intense scenes, particularly at night or in binge-style viewing, often experience:
- Heightened worry
- Nightmares
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty distinguishing entertainment from reality
Younger children are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing the ability to process and evaluate emotionally charged material.
2. Emotional Numbing
Repeated exposure to graphic or sensational violence can cause children and teens to become less sensitive to suffering or danger. This “numbing” effect doesn’t make them harmful; it simply dulls their normal emotional responses, making serious situations seem trivial.
3. Stress Responses and PTSD-Like Symptoms
While the word “trauma” should not be used lightly, psychologists note that graphic or disturbing imagery can trigger stress responses similar to those seen in real-life traumatic events. Children with anxiety disorders, past trauma, or high sensitivity are particularly at risk.
4. Difficulty Processing Conflict in Healthy Ways
Entertainment that resolves everything through aggression subtly teaches that force is a first resort rather than a last one. Over time, it can influence how young people understand:
- Anger
- Problem-solving
- Emotional regulation
- Respect for others
These concerns don’t mean that one action movie will harm a child. But consistent exposure over time can shape patterns of thinking and emotional responses without families even noticing.
What About Violence in Video Games?
Video games vary widely, and not every game is harmful. Many are educational, peaceful, or creative. But games that reward aggression or immerse players in graphic imagery can influence how young people process conflict and stress.
Potential concerns include:
- Increased heart rate and stress levels
- Difficulty calming down after play
- Desensitization to violent behavior
- Reduced sleep quality when gaming at night
- Potential addiction patterns connected to adrenaline-driven gameplay
The issue isn’t simply “video games are bad,” but rather how frequently children engage with fast-paced, violent content and how little downtime their minds receive afterward.
But Isn’t There Violence in the Bible?
Yes, the Bible contains accounts of war, persecution, and injustice. These passages are not hidden; they have value and purpose. Scripture is honest about the brokenness of the world and the consequences of sin.
The key difference is this:
Biblical violence is descriptive, not sensational.
It’s presented within moral framework:
- God condemns unjust violence
- Scripture calls believers to peace and self-control
- Violence is shown as the result of humanity’s fallenness, not entertainment
- Biblical narratives point toward redemption, not spectacle
In contrast, modern entertainment often uses violence purely to shock, entertain, or escalate intensity.
Reading about a battle described in Scripture is not the same as watching a graphic portrayal of one. Visual imagery affects the brain differently, especially in children, triggering emotional responses that linger longer and cut deeper.
Are Faith-Based Shows Less Violent Than Mainstream TV?
Generally speaking, yes. Faith-based programming tends to handle conflict with purpose, moderation, and respect for the audience.
These characteristics set faith-driven content apart:
- Less graphic imagery
- No glorification of brutality
- Stories built around redemption, courage, or moral decisions
- Violence (when present) handled with restraint
- Themes focused on hope rather than darkness
This doesn’t mean faith-based production avoids difficult topics. It means they approach those topics with care and a commitment to honoring both truth and viewer well-being.
Families looking for a safer media environment often find that faith-based platforms offer the emotional, spiritual, and developmental benefits that mainstream entertainment lacks.
Why Real Life Network Offers a Safer Alternative
Real Life Network was created for families who want content that builds up rather than tears down. In a culture where violent media is becoming more common, RLN provides a refuge of clean, encouraging, and thoughtful programming.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- No graphic violence
- No sensationalized brutality
- Teaching and stories rooted in Scripture
- Content that promotes emotional health and biblical worldview
- Options for kids, teens, adults, and small groups
- Sermons, documentaries, studies, and conversations centered on truth, not shock value
Parents can know exactly what their children are watching and can feel confident that the material won’t expose young minds to images they aren’t prepared to process.
Whether a family wants animated stories, biblical teaching, worldview discussions, or documentaries with depth but not intensity, RLN provides content that is safe, uplifting, and grounded in truth.
Violence in media isn’t going away, and families can’t avoid every difficult topic. But they can choose what enters the home, what fills the mind, and what shapes a child’s imagination. Faith-based content offers a healthier path—one that brings peace rather than anxiety, strength rather than confusion, and encouragement rather than disturbance.
Explore safe, family-friendly, and biblically grounded content anytime on Real Life Network.
