Anger

Anger

Here’s a question every angry man and woman needs to consider: How long are you going to allow people you don’t even like—people who are no longer in your life, maybe even people who aren’t even alive anymore—to control your life? How long?

Andy Stanley

Anger is a powerful emotion that can become a controlling passion. It usually stems from feelings of injustice, unmet needs, jealousy, strife, or abuse. Sometimes you’re so angry that you forget why you aren’t speaking to someone. These feelings can hold you captive for a short time period or for a lifetime. Sometimes you mask your indignation with the silent treatment. At other times uncontrolled rage spews from your mouth. Hurtful words and actions are aimed at the object of your wrath.

Ask for My help with restraining your anger. Practice self-control. “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs” (Proverbs 19:11). Seek wise counsel. Identify the root cause of your anger and deal with it in a biblical way. It is very difficult to change the way you respond to this intense emotion, so don’t give up trying when you take a step backward. You have a choice—you can allow people you don’t even like to control you, or you can change your life for the better. Begin praying for the people who have hurt you or abused you. Forgive them and look for a way to bless them. I will take care of the rest.

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.

Ephesians 4:26, NIV