Anger Management

People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. – Proverbs 14:29 NLT

You may have heard the phrase “anger management” before. The phrase is somewhat of a misnomer, because the goal is not simply managing anger when the feelings arise but dealing with what is creating the anger. That is where control comes in.

Many people think that the idea that we have control in our lives is an illusion. However, you do control many things in your life. For example, you probably aren’t lashing out at your boss or your pastor (hopefully!). We can stop rage almost instantly depending on the target. We might lash out at the driver in the next lane, and then pull into the church parking lot with a smile on our face.

Scripture indicates that the evidence of “great foolishness” is a “hot temper.” Learning to control anger isn’t about suppressing the emotion, which can actually fuel the flames. Understanding what drives your anger is the key to controlling your anger. There are ways to express anger without creating more problems. Understanding where the emotional reaction is coming from can also provide insight to a solution.

Remember, the goal isn’t to manage anger; it is to understand and control what drives the powerful emotion, using it for good. After all, does anyone want to be viewed as a fool?

Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything. – Billy Graham

Do not say, “I cannot help having a bad temper.” Friend, you must help it. Pray to God to help you overcome it at once, for either you must kill it, or it will kill you. You cannot carry a bad temper into heaven. – Charles Spurgeon

Make no mistake: Satan’s specialty is psychological warfare. If he can turn us on God (“It’s not fair!”) or turn us on others (“It’s their fault!”) or turn us on ourselves (“I’m so stupid!”), we won’t turn on him. If we keep fighting within ourselves and losing our own inner battles, we’ll never have the strength to stand up and fight our true enemy. – Beth Moore

For Further Reflection: Ephesians 4:29–32; Romans 12:17–21; James 1:19–21

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I want to grow in understanding and wisdom so I can serve you and be the person you created me to be. Through the power of your Holy Spirit working in me, help me have self-control and to not be governed by anger. In your name I pray, Amen.

Taken from 100 Days to Freedom from Anger copyright © 2021 by Stephen Arterburn and Becky Brown. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.