Advice for the Angry

Have you been frustrated and annoyed recently? Do you find it difficult to control your temper? Winston Churchill once said, “A man is about as big as the things that make him angry.” I think we all, at various times, struggle with anger. It is one of the most intense feelings we experience in this life. Rather than existing in a constant state of irritation or “bottling it up” until we have an outburst, let’s discover together some of what God’s word has to say about this topic.

First, it is important that we understand our anger. The Bible says, “Be angry, and do not sin” (Eph 4:26). This shows us that merely becoming angry is not sinful, despite what many have come to believe. Anger is feeling displeasure or frustration at something you view to be wrong. The just should be angered by evil. In fact, anger can sometimes be godly. God is angry with the wicked daily (Psa 7:11). Jesus became angry when he saw wickedness and unbelief in others (Mark 3:1-6; 11:15-17). However, the instruction from Ephesians 4:26 also shows that anger can be a very dangerous emotion, often leading mankind to sin. Ask yourself what is truly upsetting you and whether it is right for you to be angry (Jon 4:1-11).

Second, it is important that we control our anger. No matter what you’re responding to, a childish meltdown will only serve to make you look foolish. Worse still, your lack of composure could reflect negatively upon the truth. Perhaps you ought to give yourself time to cool off! Don’t be too quick to give a response or reaction. Remember, God’s word lists “self-control” among the fruit of the spirit and the Christian virtues (Gal 5:22-23; 2 Pet 1:5-7). Even when our Lord became angry, His actions remained pure. Channel your strong feelings into motivation to walk properly and keep charge of your temper (Prov 14:17; 16:32; Rom 13:12-14). In the midst of strife don’t “fly off the handle,” instead act decidedly towards the best spiritual benefit for all parties involved. Behave and speak in a righteous, rational, and compassionate way (Matt 5:43-45; 2 Cor 10:5; Col 4:6).

Third, it is important that we resolve our anger. The continuation of the verse where we began says, “do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Eph 4:26-27). We should make haste to reconcile whenever possible. Allowing negative feelings to fester offers Satan an opportunity against us and distracts us from our work in the Kingdom. Scripture provides us with several crucial warnings (Eph 4:31-32; Col 3:5-8; Jam 1:19-20). Sometimes resolving anger will require us to go to an individual (Matt 5:21-26; Jam 3:13-18). Other times what is needed is time in prayer and a continued trust in God as the Master of all (Rom 12:19; Php 4:6-7; 1 Pet 5:7).

What will we do with our anger? What is the appropriate response from a child of God? May we take the time to understand, control, and resolve our anger properly. May we ever strive to conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel (Eph 4:1; Php 1:27).