CONTROLLING ANGER

Anger is an explosive emotion that moves swiftly along a wide path, breaking relationships. You will take a big step in the right direction by seeking help to harness it. 

Anger blighted the first human family when Cain killed his brother Abel in a fitful rage (Gen. 4:5-8; 1 John 3:12). Ever since, anger has hounded man’s footsteps. Anger is not a kitten to be petted but a lion to be tamed. 

The great and wise King Solomon spoke of the ramifications of anger, noting that it incubates in the oven of grievous words. (Prov. 15:1) Anger breeds in the seedbed of envy. (James 3:14; Prov 27:4).

Anger does not operate alone; rather, it thrives in the company of jealousy and resentment, and it encourages retaliation. 

The Bible links anger with the carnal baggage of bitterness, wrath, clamor, evil speaking, and malice (Eph. 4:31). 

Triumph over anger comes through pursuing three steps of action:

1. Salutary (Helpful/Beneficial) Attitude. Circumstances and relationships work better with others when oiled with a salutary attitude. A proper attitude will give balance in discerning what you hear and how you respond. A gentle attitude will release the sound from pent-up feelings that feed anger in stressful times. A biblical attitude will view everyone as a special creation of God, deserving common courtesy and respect. (Ps. 8:4) The Lord is mindful of personal needs-longing for acceptance, desires, and friendships. The Lord can use you in meeting the needs of others. Anger will fall off your schedule for lack of time. The more involved you become in reaching out to others to assist, help, and encourage, the greater benefit will come back to you in taming anger. (Ecclesiastes 11:1; Phil 4:8-9).

2. Willingness to Adjust. This will help you to take on a different approach in living harmoniously with others. The law of prevention is an excellent tool in subduing anger. For example, you can turn negatives into positives - unjust criticism into commendation. This law will work wonders. You will observe others enjoying your company. The Apostle Paul said his friend Onessiphorus often refreshed him. (2 Tim. 1:16) The word refresh has in it the thought of encouraging the heart and cheering the soul. 

3. Desire to Advance. To advance means to take the high road in knowing and understanding people. Watch out for areas where anger is likely to be stimulated, whether from people outside or inside your family, and show itself unannounced. For example, be on guard when you as a family member do not seem especially appreciated. In critical times, apply the law of diversion. Change the conversation to a more beneficial subject. Keep anger from controlling the moment. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you remain calm, cool, and collected in thought and word. Each victory over anger will be a step in climbing the mountain of triumph and will help you reach the rarefied air that will nourish your soul with renewed vigor. 

Another factor in controlling anger is to grow in maturity - the skill to work with and get along with people. A believer prayed that a difficult person would change into a loving saint. That did not seem to work. The application of the law of diversion came to the rescue. The believer asked the Lord to change him. That worked. He saw the difficult person in a new light. When he did so and treated him with honor and respect, a lasting friendship was established. Many blessings came to both along the path of life.