Diffusing anger

---

Author

Pastor Billy Shaw

---

Anger is one of the most common emotions we experience.  If someone claims never to have been angry, we need to check that person’s pulse.  That said, there are degrees of anger - from mild annoyance to outright rage.  Also, we do different things with our anger.  Sometimes we internalize our anger and seethe.  Other times we act out based on our anger, usually for revenge.  

​Anger is one of the most common emotions we experience.  If someone claims never to have been angry, we need to check that person’s pulse.  That said, there are degrees of anger - from mild annoyance to outright rage.  Also, we do different things with our anger.  Sometimes we internalize our anger and seethe.  Other times we act out based on our anger, usually for revenge.  

Most of us probably realize that anger can raise one’s blood pressure.  The things we do and say in anger are often the very things we most regret.  What does the Bible say about how to handle our anger?  How can we diffuse our anger?  How can we prevent all of that pent-up anger from exploding and creating destruction around us?

One of the most quoted Bible verses on anger is Eph 4:26 (NKJV), “Be angry, and do not sin” (see also Psalm 4:4).  This verse demonstrates that being angry by itself is not sin.  Of course some may disagree, but it is my view that the Bible doesn’t try to trick us.  Can you imagine a verse such as this: “Do something sinful, but do not sin,” even as a literary device?  Since God is not the author of confusion, He would rather say something with unmistakable clarity than risk leading His beloved sheep astray.  With this in mind, we find that being angry is not sin in itself...but staying angry is.  The rest of the verse says, “Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.”  

One of the most powerful truths in the Bible is that it places us at the controls of our minds and hearts.  It is God’s will for us to surrender those controls to Him.  It is His will for us to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).  

So, exactly how do we diffuse our anger God’s way?

• Understand that being angry by itself is not sin.  The Bible has many examples of God Himself being angry.  It is only human to respond to certain situations with anger; in a sense, it is how God has wired us.  
• Resist the easy habit of letting your anger spend the night in the control room of your mind and heart.  
• Give your anger and its source to God in prayer.  You can tell God that you want to honor what He has said in Eph. 4:26.  God understands better than anyone what you are feeling inside, and He can give you the strength to move past that anger.  
• Exit the anger zone and spend as little time there as possible, because, as we read in James 1:20 (CSB), “human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”  

New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. 
CSB: Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers.

​

We invite you to attend one of our weekly worship services where you will hear uplifting and engaging music and encouraging messages from God’s Word.  You can also contact us through our website with any prayer request you have. We look forward to continued ministry to you.
​

Plan A Visit