Overcoming Anger

We all get angry sometimes.

Watching the news for a few minutes is a reminder that the world is filled with angry people and angry people tend to hurt other people which causes more anger. It’s hard to escape the cycle. My kids’ favorite game on my iPhone is “Angry Birds,” so apparently, even the birds are angry now! 😉

I can’t blame the news or the birds, because I get angry as much as anyone. I tend to let it all build up little by little until something small sets it off like a tiny spark igniting a nuclear explosion and I turn into an Ogre that nobody wants to be around! If we’re not careful, anger can rob us of our joy, destroy our relationships and leave a path of destruction and despair in our wake.

Anger starts early. My youngest son is only 18 months old, but he can already throw a serious fit or slap you in the face when he doesn’t get his way. Some of us never outgrow those childish tantrums, but as we get older, they become more and more damaging.

When God created us, He knew that we would struggle with anger. In His infinite love, he wants to spare us the unnecessary pain that it can cause, so He gives us clear instruction for how to overcome it. Here are a few principles that will bring more peace to your marriage, your family and your life in general.

1. Learn to control you anger or else your anger will control you.

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

“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” Proverbs 29:11

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19

2. Focus on the positive instead of focusing on the triggers that make you angry.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

“Get 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.” Ephesians 4:31-32

3. When you’ve blown it, make it right! Let Grace and Peace replace the rage.

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

“May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” Galatians 1:3

We’d love to hear from you! How has anger impacted your life and relationship? What has helped you overcome? Please Comment and share you experiences.