Managing Your Anger

We all have experienced anger at some level from time to time. We can become angry about major issues in society, such as mistreatment and injustice, but, we can also become angry over small inconveniences such as someone taking a parking place we claimed as we pulled into the Chick-fil-a parking lot on a Sunday or somebody taking our seat in church.

Yes, all of us experience various degrees of anger in our lives. So today, I want to share three things to help us to properly manage our anger.

1. Remember that anger carries a price tag! The Bible says it best in Proverbs 29:11. “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” In other words, before you say or do something you may later regret, consider the price tag of venting. Moments of out of control anger are not worth the guilt and remorse you feel once you calm down and really reflect on your foolish actions.

2.Remember to always think before you speak....engage your mind before you engage your mouth. Take every thought captive – II Corinthians 10:5. It is foolish to allow the words you speak out of momentary anger to destroy the things you have worked so hard to build.

3.Remember that anger can be overcome! When you feel your anger starting to get the best of you, step away from the source of your anger (this is what I do with Patton, My German Shepherd.)

Be teachable. Be humble. Be Meek. Be lovely minded.

Psalm 25:9 “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” Psalm 37:11 “But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.”

Who is going to inherit the earth? The meek – the teachable. Learning to respond rather than reacting is so vital in our everyday life. Responding is doing what Jesus would do (Romans 8:6). Always remember the words found in Proverbs 16:32. “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.”

Today, I leave you with the words of Paul found in Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry!”

Pastor Dave Stallman