Mary Southerland tells us, “Everyone has to deal with anger.
The challenge is to deal with anger in the right way.
Anger is powerful - an emotional warning that something is wrong.
We have been hurt or rejected. Something has changed and we don’t like it!
The challenge is to deal with anger in the right way.
Anger is powerful - an emotional warning that something is wrong.
We have been hurt or rejected. Something has changed and we don’t like it!
“In your anger, do not sin” Ephesians 4:26.
Anger itself is not sin.
We just have to learn to express anger in the right way.
Mishandled anger is destructive but anger that is handled correctly can become a tool for good.
God’s Word is filled with tips for learning to handle anger in a healthy and godly way.
We just have to learn to express anger in the right way.
Mishandled anger is destructive but anger that is handled correctly can become a tool for good.
God’s Word is filled with tips for learning to handle anger in a healthy and godly way.
Be still.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
If we are busy, it is much easier to ignore or refuse to face and deal with the real source of anger.
Anger that is not dealt with in the right way accumulates over time, allowing bitterness to take root and rage to simmer just below the surface of everything we do, say, think or feel.
In order to manage anger, we need to incorporate frequent and regular 'stops' into our schedules; time set aside to simply be still and hear the voice of God.
Be quiet.
“Everyone should be slow to speak and slow to
become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God
desires.” James 1:19-20
Our first response to
conflict is often not a response at all … but a reaction. We jump in with a
brutal rebuttal or a thoughtless correction – which is like pouring gasoline on
a fire.
An explosion is bound to happen.
Our first action should be to stop and think instead of rushing to respond in a way that could escalate tensions or provoke an offensive response from others.
Listen to the other person before responding. Try counting to ten before saying anything. This may not address the anger directly, but it can minimize the damage you will do while angry.
Be wise.An explosion is bound to happen.
Our first action should be to stop and think instead of rushing to respond in a way that could escalate tensions or provoke an offensive response from others.
Listen to the other person before responding. Try counting to ten before saying anything. This may not address the anger directly, but it can minimize the damage you will do while angry.
“Like a city whose walls are broken down, is a man who lacks
self-control. Proverbs 25:28
Wisdom is doing the
right thing at the right time for the right reason.
Anger management comes from wisdom rooted in self-control.
I love the story of Jesus driving the money-changers out of His Father’s temple.
In John 2:15, Scripture says Jesus “made a whip out of cords.” Don’t miss this picture.
At the height of His anger, Jesus gathered several cords and braided a whip.
I imagine it took several minutes at least to form a whip substantial enough to drive grown men anywhere.
I think Jesus was so angry that He knew He needed to cool off, so He deliberately chose to be still, quiet and wise.
When we are close to losing control of anger, we need to be wise.
Anger management comes from wisdom rooted in self-control.
I love the story of Jesus driving the money-changers out of His Father’s temple.
In John 2:15, Scripture says Jesus “made a whip out of cords.” Don’t miss this picture.
At the height of His anger, Jesus gathered several cords and braided a whip.
I imagine it took several minutes at least to form a whip substantial enough to drive grown men anywhere.
I think Jesus was so angry that He knew He needed to cool off, so He deliberately chose to be still, quiet and wise.
When we are close to losing control of anger, we need to be wise.
Be discerning.
“In your anger do not sin
… search your hearts and be silent.” Psalm 4:4
The longer I work with
people the more I realize that there is always a reason for their
behavior.
Hurt people – hurt people.
When you are angry at someone, ask yourself why. Think back to what led up to the conflict.
Was it something someone said to you? Has a past problem triggered your present anger?
Give yourself time to consider why you are upset and what you should do to handle it in a way that pleases God.
Hurt people – hurt people.
When you are angry at someone, ask yourself why. Think back to what led up to the conflict.
Was it something someone said to you? Has a past problem triggered your present anger?
Give yourself time to consider why you are upset and what you should do to handle it in a way that pleases God.
God created us with the capacity for emotions. That means
He has a right plan and a right place for emotions in our lives.
Anger management is a spiritual discipline that God honors, blesses and empowers.
Anger management is a spiritual discipline that God honors, blesses and empowers.
Let’s Pray:
Father, please forgive me when I allow anger to control
what I say and do. I want to honor You in the way I manage my emotions –
especially the anger in my life. Fill my heart with Your peace. Help me
cultivate the spiritual discipline of anger management and learn how to control
my emotions instead of allowing them to control me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now it’s your turn-
Evaluate the level of anger in your life.
Would people who know you well describe you as an angry person?
Identity the source of your anger; then make the commitment to face and deal with whatever is causing your anger."
Would people who know you well describe you as an angry person?
Identity the source of your anger; then make the commitment to face and deal with whatever is causing your anger."
Mary Southerland on Crosswalk.com info@girlfriendsingod.com www.girlfriendsingod.com
Tonight’s post: PROBLEMS HAVE A PURPOSE
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