Arresting Anger

We learned some about the issue of anger yesterday in our Sunday School and how anger tends to cluster around three main causes – fear, hurt, or frustration. Think about it, how many times have you been flustered when someone ahead of you is going 35 in a 55 mph zone? Especially when you need to be some place ina few minutes and they are going to make you late !   It’s a recipe for anger !! Or  when someone misjudges your motives or says something to you which you take to be a slight in some way.  Anger can so quickly well up in us and then we let the joy of the Lord exit our life and bitterness takes its place.    One of our lady’s said in class, “Anger is hard to control !”   ‘Tis true, for Solomon penned, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” (Prov.16:32).

So what are we to do at such times that we want to lash back?    I think what Jesus said in His sermon on the mount needs to be applied the first thing,    “. . .first, cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”  (Mt.7:5).  Don’t jump the gun until you know the facts, don’t think the worst initially, give folks the benefit of the doubt where you can.   Examine your own heart and make sure you respond as Jesus would. You’re not God, maybe the reason you got riled was simply a misunderstanding on your part, will you be big enough to admit that?  Most people won’t be but be different, for if you don’t diagnose the problem right, you will never treat it properly.  So humility is critical here !!

Sometimes anger is justifiable as a response, but don’t sully that with making it sinful anger. Christ never did, even while cleansing the temple ! Bottom line, will you let a problem that tempts you to lose it govern you or will you allow the Lord to do this? Also, be sure that in your response your attack focuses on the problem, not the person. If you fail here you will only make matters worse rather than coming to a resolution that will honor the Lord and in many cases reconcile a hurting relationship.  Then, there is a vital need when wrong anger tempts you to pray and seek the Lord’s strength to not let your emotions rule you but instead His Spirit.  “Lord, help me to stay calm and say what I need to say and say it in a manner that pleases You !”     What are the major causes for your being tempted to “lose it”?  Apply these practical steps to controlling anger and shine in your walk with the Lord today !!!