How can I control my anger?

Proverbs 15:1A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Proverbs 29:8Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger.

1 Peter 2:21, 23God 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 the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

Jesus teaches that giving in to anger is sin. In addition, giving in to anger gives power to the cause of your anger. Striking back invites the other person to strike back harder. When anger wells up inside us, we should quickly ask God to help us respond appropriately, without escalating the conflict with retaliation.

Psalm 4:4Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

Proverbs 19:11Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

Thinking through an issue ahead of time and planning a gentle response will help us restrain ourselves when the time comes. Then we will not only keep from sinning, but we will earn the respect of our enemies by displaying good sense and self-control.

Psalm 37:8Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.

Ephesians 4:26And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.

Ephesians 4:31-32Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Learning to bring our emotions under the Holy Spirit’s control is part of the process of maturing spiritually. Anger can either be an emotional response that can be managed for productive results or a volatile reaction that can hurt and destroy. It must be dealt with quickly before it turns into bitterness, hatred, or revenge. We must train ourselves to examine our hearts whenever we become angry. Then we will be able to determine who is really offended in the situation. Is this about God’s honor or our pride? Are we acting with humility or in revenge? Confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation must happen within us before our anger can melt away.

Proverbs 25:23As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

We can control anger by guarding what we say, especially our comments about others. Criticism or casual remarks are often retold, sparking hurt and anger in their wake. We must be careful to share only those comments others wouldn’t mind hearing.

1 Corinthians 13:5Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

Love is the mightiest weapon in overcoming anger. Staying angry at someone is difficult when we pray for them and think about their positive qualities.