Topical Teachings > A - F

Anger

Anger, like the other emotions that God has given, is both useful and natural when it is consistent with God's Word.

When openly expressing our anger, our words to others who may have wronged us must be words that edify and help them; not words that belittle or condemn.

Our conversation should be directed towards solving the problem God's way, not tearing the person down. With this goal, we should be able to release our anger appropriately and keep it under control.

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:26: "Be angry, and do not sin." Other verses such as Psalm 7:11 or Mark 3:5 (please read them) also indicate that there is such a thing as "righteous" anger.

When anger explodes into rage or stews in resentment and bitterness, it becomes a sin—especially when expressed hurtfully toward others.

What Scripture Says
How to Deal with Anger
As You Pray
Suggested Reading

What Scripture Says

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteous-ness of God." (James 1:19-20)

"Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm." (Psalm 37:8)

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice." (Ephesians 4:31)

"But now you must also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth." (Colossians 3:8)

"An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression." (Proverbs 29:22)

"Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools." (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

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How to Deal with Anger

Two of the ways in which people attempt to cope with their anger are through violent actions or by suppressing true feelings. By clamming up and pretending that nothing is wrong is not God's method of dealing with the problem. The person who holds in his/her anger, letting it slowly build up, sins just as much as the individual who may react violently.

Healthy anger when kept in control can fire us up to fight for truth and the correction of injustices. To process angry feelings, you need to bring them into the open where you can deal with them.

The following guidelines will assist you in controlling anger:

Assume responsibility for your own anger regardless of another person's actions which may have triggered your response (Ephesians 4:26).
Reduce angry feelings by finding a safe, physical way of venting them in a constructive manner. It is difficult to be rational or objective when you are emotionally upset. Go for a walk, jog, pull weeds, chop wood, or anything that will relieve the physical stress of anger.
Honestly and openly express your anger without accusing or manipulating (Matthew 18:15).
Confess any sinful anger. If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). Receive God's release: "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" (1 John 5:14).
Allow God to fill you with His Holy Spirit, penetrating your thoughts and emotions with His truth until you are thinking, talking and behaving in accordance with His ways. Your Heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13).

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As You Pray

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Anger

What Scripture Says

How to Deal with Anger

As You Pray

Suggested Reading

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