How can I let go of feelings of anger and hatred?

2 Samuel 13:11-20, 28-29As she was feeding him, he [Amnon] grabbed her and demanded, “Come to bed with me, my darling sister.” “No, my brother!” she cried. “Don’t be foolish! Don’t do this to me! Such wicked things aren’t done in Israel. . . .” But Amnon wouldn’t listen to her, and since he was stronger than she was, he raped her. Then suddenly Amnon’s love turned to hate, . . . When King David heard what had happened, he was very angry. And though Absalom never spoke to Amnon about this, he hated Amnon deeply because of what he had done to his sister. . . . So at Absalom’s signal they murdered Amnon.

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

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.

If we fill our hearts and minds with God and his good things, we will empty our hearts and minds of anger, hatred, and plotting revenge, which only continues the cycle of hatred and violence. Though entertaining feelings of anger and hatred may seem right, harboring such feelings will only cause wounds to fester, producing bitterness that blocks out joy and peace.