A lady once came to the evangelist Billy Sunday one day and tried to rationalize her anger. “There’s nothing wrong with losing my temper,” She said. “I blow up, and then it’s all over.” “So does a shotgun,” Sunday replied, “and look at the damage it leaves behind!”
Anger is common among everyone. We all have emotions that sometimes get carried away when we are offended by another. Some of us have longer fuses than others, but anger is an area in which we all have to watch. Failure to do so can lead to all kinds of hurtful and destructive actions, especially toward those who we love the most
In most cases, anger is not very hard to control, even for those known to have a bad temper. For example, most people can control their anger when they desire to maintain a certain appearance before others. It is amazing how a person can turn off the appearance of anger when they are concerned with what certain people may think. Often times those vented upon are those closest such as a spouse or child. This says much about whom we may be most concerned. Actions speak louder than words.
What can we do to overcome problems with anger? First, we need to understand that all anger is not wrong. In fact, the Bible says, “Be angry and do not sin” – Ephesians 4:26. This means that we can be righteously angry toward sin and sinfulness. This is the example of the Lord Himself. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s righteous anger toward sin. This does not mean that we act out in violence verbally or physically. The more we have anger toward sin, the more we will refrain from it
Second, don’t let the sun go down on your anger. “Be angry and do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” – Ephesians 4:26-27. When we fail to deal with it that day, we give the devil opportunity; it becomes a burr that eventually leads to bitterness and a constant source of contention.
Third, hold your tongue. Proverbs 10:19 says, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” So if you have nothing good to say, don’t say it. As the Bible says, “Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools.”- Ecclesiastes 7:9.
Fourth, stop it before it starts. Proverbs 17:14 says, “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” You may not be the angry one, but you may be the one to turn it around. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Fifth, confess it to the Lord when you fail, and go to those you offended and ask their forgiveness.
Sixth, memorize God’s Word and apply it, especially verses concerning anger, such as Proverbs 14:17; 15:18; 19:11; 29:11,20.
Don’t let anger overcome you, remember “He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.” – Proverbs 14:29.
Would you like to know more? We would love to speak with you. Call us at 425-432-0634, or contact us at www.taylorcreekchurch.org. We invite you to join us for Sunday service: 9:00 AM for Sunday School and 10:15 AM for Worship. Address: 21110 244th Ave. S.E., Maple Valley.
