Dating
back over 3500 years, the Bible began as a collection of oral stories handed
down from generation to generation in the form of songs, narratives, and
poetry. Eventually signs and symbols were utilized in a more permanent means of
recording these stories until the written word became the primary method . It
wasn't until many years after the death of Christ that the New Testament was
added to the original Bible now referred to as the Old Testament. While most
people who read the Bible are believers, one needn't be in order to find value
in the written Word. For the purpose of this blog we will be examining ten
passages which address the issue of anger.
Ephesians 4:26-31
26 “In
your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are
still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold."
You've
heard me say many times that anger is a normal, useful, and even important
feeling. Every emotion we experience plays a vital role in helping us to
understand who we are and how we interact with the outside world. Acknowledge
that you are angry but do not hold on to it. Repressed anger can lead to all
types of health issues, interfere with our happiness, cloud good judgment, and
damage relationships. Acknowledge it, express it respectfully (if necessary),
use it for constructive purposes, and let it go.
29 "Do
not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful
for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who
listen."
How
often do we hurt others verbally when we are angry or upset? We belittle them,
curse at them, criticize or are nasty, rude or disrespectful. While the emotion
may be justifiable, mistreating others never is. Calm down before you speak so
that your words may be gracious and uplifting - always.
31 Get
rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every
form of malice."
In
the event that the situation you are angry about or the person you are upset
with does not change to your liking, do not allow your feelings to progress to
bitterness, rage or any type of malicious behavior. You will certainly damage
your own sense of well-being, your reputation, and most definitely the feelings
of the other party. Acceptance of that which and who we cannot change allows us
to experience inner peace.
James 1:19-20
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
How many of us follow this advice in the reverse? Anger is our primary response as we act out verbally or physically. However, when we take a moment and listen or ask questions to learn more about an incident or what the other person is trying to convey to us, we actually foster a better understanding, thus preventing anger from manifesting.
Proverbs 29:11
11 "Fools
give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end."
Few
people admire those who become aggressive when angry. It takes far more
integrity to remain calm in the face of anger and in that regard earn the
respect of those around you.
James 1:20
20 " ...because
human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
Anger is
one of the most powerful emotions relevant to mankind. However, high level
emotions cloud rational judgment and few people behave in a righteous manner
when acting out. It is far more prudent to live as God dictates rather than to
succumb to a moment's rage.
Proverbs 19:11
11 A
person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an
offense."
Before
I allow myself to become upset with someone or over an incident, I consult my
10-year Rule: will this issue matter in ten years? If the answer is
"no" then I let it go. In that regard, I am able to overlook a lot
that is insignificant, thus maintaining my sense of peace and happiness.
Ecclesiastes 7:9New International
Version
9"Do
not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools."
Do
you allow others to push your buttons and make you angry? Don't be fooled into
believing that others cause you to become angry. It is a personal choice each
of us makes. All emotions originate in our thought process so carefully
choose your thoughts and you will choose
the corresponding feelings as well.
Proverbs 15:1, 15:18
15 "A gentle answer
turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
18 "A
hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a
quarrel."
In
responding to any angry person, a gentle comment has the ability to calm them
down. Consider an understanding response that illustrates your concern for
their feelings and well-being.
Proverbs 22:24
24 "Do not make friends with a
hot-tempered person, do
not associate with one easily angered."
Proverbs
warns us to avoid those who are hot-headed and irate. They present an
atmosphere conducive to stress, fighting, and harm. Do not be that person nor
associate with them. Surround yourself with those who are loving and peaceful.
As
you can see, there is a lot of valuable instructions regarding anger. One need
not believe in God to find some suggestions that will greatly benefit them. Put
some faith in these words of wisdom. The are designed to keep our relationships
and world safe and to enable us to live peacefully within ourselves.
Order The Secret
Side of Anger, Second Edition or The Great Truth @
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