Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Have you ever gotten so angry that you totally lost yourself? Anger is one of the most difficult and challenging human emotions to manage.
Anger is complex. The reasons we get angry, the way we respond to anger and our anger triggers, differ from person to person.
Anger is challenging. If not managed properly, it can destroy your life and the lives of those around you.
Anger must be controlled. Proverbs 25:28 reads, “If you can not control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls open to attack.”
It’s important that you not bury your head in the sand when it comes to being honest about how you manage your anger.
Let me first help you understand that being angry is actually ok. The scripture teaches us that we can be angry but don’t do something bad (sin) as a result of your anger, don’t go to bed (with unresolved) angry” and “don’t allow the devil to have victory (in your life) as a result of your anger.”
At first thought, it can be hard to process that anger can be good. It’s the point of why we get angry and how we respond to the anger that dictates if anger is good or bad. For example, when we get angry that our clothes don’t fit properly and we begin to exercise, anger is good! When we adjust our study habits to yield better results in the classroom because of anger from poor grades, anger is positive. It’s when we want to harm someone, harm ourselves or destroy something as a result of anger, it is indeed negative.
If there’s someone or a situation that has angered you, it’s time to deal with it so that you may let it go. Have you ever considered the cost of negative anger is peace?
The next time you feel yourself about to become angry with a person or about a situation, if possible, remove yourself immediately. Be honest and tell those involved that it is best that you excuse yourself and step away. If you find that it’s too late and you’ve allowed your anger to rise to the surface, pause for at least 10 seconds before you speak. In this moment of silence, rationalize with yourself if your peace is worth being sacrificed for anger.
Moving forward, I want you to purpose in your heart to be more responsible with your anger. Whenever you get angry, acknowledge it and deal with it. Don’t let it “eat at you,” “cause you to lose sleep” or worse, “act out of character.” Instead, figure out your triggers that cause you to get angry. Next, think about how you currently respond and how you would like to respond in the future. Seek help with this process if necessary. Ask a close friend or family member to help you or better yet, seek professional help from a counselor.
It’s time to take back control of your anger. Will your anger help you or hinder you? The decision is yours.
