Dealing With Anger

Our passage gives us the biblical guidance on how to properly deal with anger. It is part of our human emotion that cannot be ignored (Jms 1:20). We must learn how to control it (Ps 37:8), rather than allowing it to control us! If we allow any raging anger to remain unconfessed and unresolved (Col 3:8), then it may result in evil actions (Prov 14:29), including murder (Mt 5:22). This happened to Cain when he murdered his brother Abel, out of his envious and hateful fury (Gen 4:8). How can we quickly deal with anger?

By not allowing the sun to “go down upon” our wrath! Because our opportunistic “adversary the devil” (1 Pet 5:8), will always try to use our angry situation to keep us from walking “in the Spirit” (Gal 5:16). Thus, causing us to leave our guards down (Prov 25:28), and allowing him to attack us with his “fiery darts” (Eph 6:16). If our anger goes unchecked, it could also lead to broken relationships (Prov 29:22). Many people have made wrong choices and decisions (Jer 17:9), by saying or doing things in anger that they later regretted! If we learn to manage our anger through prayers (Php 4:6), by seeking God’s guidance and wisdom during heated arguments (Prov 3:5), then we can surely prevent any potential harm or danger!

Although there is a righteous anger that is directed toward evil (Jer 15:17), and hypocrisy (Mt 23:15); God wants us to put away “all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking” (v. 31). These types of anger arise from our sinful nature, “which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” (v. 22). They are always fleshly, self-centered, and often motivated by pride (Prov 16:18). When we allow God to work in our hearts through our humble submission (Jms 4:10), He will lead us to a Christ-like love (Jn 13:34), that is both long-suffering and kind (1 Cor 13:4). He then grows us spiritually as we show more grace, compassion and forgiveness! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera