Positive Anger Management

Positive Anger Management

Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.

Psalm 37:8

AS WE’VE SEEN, anger is an inevitable part of any relationship, including marriage. Today I’d like to focus on the practical. Here are six suggestions on how to handle your anger toward your spouse.

1. Admit to yourself, “It’s okay to feel anger.”
2. Remind yourself, “It’s not okay to lash out at my spouse or to withdraw in silence.”
3. Pray that God will give you wisdom on how to handle your anger.
4. Seek an explanation before passing judgment. You might say, “Honey, something is bothering me, but I might be misunderstanding. Can I ask you a question?”
5. Seek a resolution; don’t seek to win the argument. The right question to ask is, “How can we solve this problem?”
6. Affirm your love for your spouse. “I love you and I don’t want anything to stand between us,” might be an appropriate statement.

As the psalmist reminds us, losing our temper only leads to harm. By contrast, these six steps pave the way for a good resolution. Positive anger management may well save your marriage.

Father, thank you for these ideas on how to handle my anger toward my spouse. Please help me to put them into practice. May I not sin in my anger; may I be respectful and loving toward my spouse.

Anger