Firstly, we must understand that there is a righteous anger from God: “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath…” (Ephesians 4:26).
However, this study is concentrating on overcoming the problem of unrighteous anger.
Let’s look at this.
The problem is unrighteous anger, which is sin. It’s manifested in various ways, for example being hot-headed, having a short fuse, a bad temper, and worse.
The Bible tells us that anger like this is linked to foolishness and strife:
“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
“He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.” (Proverbs 14:17).
“An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” (Proverbs 29:22).
People with anger-control issues can also find themselves alienated from others. Nobody wants to be on the receiving end of an angry outburst.
“It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.” (Proverbs 21:19).
It can also rub off on others:
“Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” (Proverbs 22:24, 25).
So, what does the Bible say that God wants for His people?
Forsake it: “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” (Psalm 37:8).
Don’t be easily provoked: “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.” (Proverbs 15:18).
Rule your own spirit: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” (Proverbs 16:32).
How is this achieved? How is problematic anger overcome?
With God’s help and human willingness to change. Remember that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).
Admit it’s been a problem and REPENT of it. Repentance means you are sorry for it and ready to turn away from sin. Ask for God’s forgiveness and for His help to change you. God promises to forgive:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
If you start to feel angry, don’t respond immediately by flying off the handle with others. This is ruling your own spirit. Take yourself aside and look at the Scriptures. Practice being softer, and quieter with others. Ask God to help you have kind and thoughtful words, even when others are being argumentative. Softness de-fuses wrath.
“A SOFT answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1).
Ask for patience and God’s wisdom to be given to you and to guide you:
“…wise men turn away wrath.” (Proverbs 29:8).
“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:4, 5).
Strife is a devilish spirit. Resist and bind its influence by faith:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7).
Receive, by faith, the peace that the Lord Jesus Christ has given to Christians. Confess that it belongs to you and rely on it. His peace is supernaturally powerful:
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).
In God’s strength,
Samantha