Anger Management

Anger and stress – a combo that is so prevalent in today’s world. The technology world with its everyday significant advancements has also watered this combo along. It is something that is very common and many suffer from it not knowing how to manage anger, stress and frustration. What does the Bible say about anger management?

Many today think that being a child of God means getting hit by people and being a joker around because of their patience. John 2:14 talks about how Jesus got mad on seeing the money changers in the temple of God. He flared in so much anger that He made a whip out of ropes and chased them away overturning the their tables and scattering their money. Are you wondering how God himself can lose His temper? Well, it simply means that anger is fairly acceptable according to God. But the reason for the anger is what really counts. If the fruit of anger is acceptable before God, He acknowledges it. That’s why in proverbs 13:24 it says that a Father who withholds the cane from his son is his enemy. This verse makes complete sense if the Father's intention is to correct his son and the fruits of his anger are good.

Now that we have a free hand, we shouldn’t take advantage and lose our temper often. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:26 that “Let you anger subside before the setting of the sun”. If you have got mad on someone and if you feel that it’s for their good, stop feeling guilty and pray to God for their repentance. There are times we feel that our anger does not make sense. If that’s the case go ahead and apologize right away to the person with whom you have been mad. There’s so much joy when you bring a smile on someone once you apologize.

Relatives? – Anger has a whole bunch of relatives; Losing self control, psychic behavior, unfriendly words, enmity etc. The Bible treats anger as a sin because these creep along once you allow anger. We as God’s people should keep ourselves from getting into these and use anger for a good cause.

Control Measure? The only solution to your anger then would be the Word of God and Prayer. There is always a visible difference between people who meditate on the Word of God and spend time with God with the others who don’t. Though we all come under the name of God, those who have a constant relationship with God show a streak of uniqueness in their character. Psalm 119:105 says “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path”. It’s only through His word that one can mould himself into the likeness of God.

So, have an everyday schedule of prayer and meditation on the Word. You would be surprised to find that over time specks of anger, frustration, stress, enmity, impatience and all that come along with it gradually disappearing. It’s a lengthy process and requires a lot of commitment…but when you do it faithfully the fruits would be so evident.

Lord Jesus, help me manage my anger according to Your Word. Give me the wisdom to handle life’s everyday problems. Thank you for your promises. Amen.