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How do you express anger?

“For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” Unknown 

 

There are many things—or even many people—in this life that can frustrate you.  

Believers are certainly not immune to frustration and disappointment. 

But whether or not you express anger, or better still, how you express it, when youre frustrated is a choice.  

Nothingno oneforces you to respond irrationally or inappropriately. Unfortunately, our responses can become easily habitual, or automatic, so as to define us. 

What does the Bible say on the subject? A lot! 

“A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29). 

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (Proverbs 29:11). 

“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). 

These verses (and many others like them) tell us that giving irrational vent to anger is no good. 

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for mans anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19-20). This verse teaches that getting angry isnt productive. 

In your anger do not sin (Ephesians 4:26). This verse reminds us there is a difference between the experience of anger and the expression of it. 

Anger is an inescapable fact of life. But we can make wiser choices, change, or improve the way we respond to frustrating situations and circumstances and therefore better reflect Christ. 

How would my colleagues, friends, and family say I handle my anger? 

 

My prayer this weekYou are the God of peace and wisdom! Will you give me the right perspective—to help keep me from unrighteous and unbecoming expressions of anger? When I do get angry, will you give me the wisdom to recognize it and manage it in ways that will honor you?