Controlling Anger

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9).

Probably almost all of us can remember times of anger, although some struggle with it more than others. In most cases, anger goes against God's standard for how we should behave. The one exception might be righteous indignation, and even that should be tempered, because "a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger" (Proverbs 15:1).

Wherefore, my brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath (James 1:19).

Most anger really stems from selfishness. We put ourselves first. "How dare that person treat me that way!" Or we demand that our opinions are always right and think others must agree with us. How arrogant and prideful; and selfishness, arrogance, and pride displeases God. He wants us to have a humble spirit. You can't be humble and be angry at the same time.

...and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath (Ephesians 4:26).

As you can surmise, anger is a sin. It can cause us to hurt others, especially the ones closest to us, the ones we love the most.With the help of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and surrender, you can teach yourself not to become angry. Anger can take hold and control us, but by relying on God, we can control it instead.

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