Anger is a natural human emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. It can arise from various situations, such as feeling hurt, frustrated, or overwhelmed. While anger itself is not sinful, how we handle it can determine whether it becomes destructive or beneficial. As followers of God, we are called to manage our anger in a way that honors Him and promotes peace and reconciliation. When anger is mishandled, it can destroy everything in its path. It can destroy families, marriages, friendships, and relationships with those we love. Let's explore some practical steps to manage our anger God's way.

ACKNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTAND YOUR ANGER 

First and foremost, it's essential to acknowledge and understand our anger. Recognize that anger is a normal emotion, but we must exercise caution in how we express it. In James 1:19, it reminds us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” This scripture teaches us the importance of self-control, listening, and understanding before reacting to anger. Reflect on the source of your anger and evaluate whether it aligns with God's will.

Once we have identified our anger, the next step is to bring it before God in prayer. Taking time to pray and seek God's guidance allows us to surrender our anger to Him and gain perspective. God can help us discern the root causes of our anger and provide wisdom on how to handle it. Prayer helps us release our anger healthily and invites God's peace into our hearts. Psalm 4:4 reminds us to search our hearts and be silent in our anger.

FORGIVE AND LET GO

Another vital aspect of managing anger is practicing forgiveness. Holding onto anger and harboring grudges only poisons our own hearts and hinders our relationship with God and others. In the book of Ephesians 4:26-27, it advises us not to let anger linger and fester but to address it promptly and extend forgiveness. When we forgive others, we free ourselves from the bondage of anger and allow God's healing to take place.

Furthermore, cultivating a heart of love and compassion can help us manage anger constructively. Instead of reacting impulsively to provoke or retaliate, we can respond with grace and kindness. By doing so, we demonstrate the love of Christ and create an environment of understanding and reconciliation. Developing empathy towards others can also help us to see their perspectives and diffuse potential conflicts.

MANAGE ANGER GOD’S WAY

Additionally, seeking wise counsel and support from fellow believers can provide guidance and encouragement in managing our anger. Trusted friends or mentors can offer different perspectives and provide valuable insights into handling anger in a godly manner. Being part of a community that upholds biblical principles enables us to learn from one another and grow in our emotional and spiritual maturity.

Managing our anger God's way requires intentionality and a reliance on His guidance. We can navigate anger through self-reflection, prayer, forgiveness, love, and seeking wise counsel to promote peace, reconciliation, and spiritual growth. May we strive to be vessels of God's love and grace, even in the face of anger, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. As Proverbs 15:1 wisely states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Let us embody gentleness and seek God's wisdom in managing our anger.

HERE ARE 5 STEPS TO TAME YOUR TEMPER FOR GOOD: 

1. Resolve to manage it. Stop making excuses for your anger and acknowledge that anger is a choice!  
2. Remember the cost. There’s always a price tag to anger. You can get people to do almost anything by scaring them. But the long-term effects are devastating.
3. Reflect before reacting. In other words, you think before you speak. If you’re going to tame your temper, men, you’ve got to watch your words.
4. Release it to God. You need to analyze your anger and then release it to God for healing. You don’t Express it; you don’t Suppress it. You Confess it to God!
5. Rely on Christ’s help. There is no way you can do this on your own. That’s why you have to rely on Christ’s help.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

For more encouragement, support, and tools to equip you, we encourage you to check out these additional resources:

• MESSAGE: To watch Liquid Church's entire message on "How To Manage Your Anger” from Part Three of our Series, “Been There, " Click here.
• ARTICLE: How To Repair A Relationship - Where do you start when a relationship needs repair? Click here to find out.  
• MESSAGE: Every single person on earth has let someone else down. The truth is no matter what we do, someone won’t be pleased. Learn how to break free from trying to please everyone. Watch, “You Can’t Make Everyone Happy.”  Click here to find out why.