The Key To Controlling Your Anger

Lord, how can I better control my anger?

Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

Psalm 4:4; Proverbs 19:11; James 1:19

How can I be more gracious and compassionate?

I called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in my hands, and I always judge fairly. Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as I through Christ have forgiven you.

1 Peter 2:21, 23; Ephesians 4:32

What can I pray when I’m angry?

Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 5:8; Psalm 119:11

Of all the emotions, anger is perhaps the most difficult to control. Anger itself is not wrong. God feels righteous anger. But anger becomes sin when we allow it to consume us, causing harm to our relationships with God and others. With which people, or in which circumstances, might God be calling you to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry? What are your anger triggers? How can you slow that moment down (e.g., use deep breathing, count to ten before speaking, ask the other person to explain his or her perspective)?