Anger
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. (NIV) Ephesians 4:26
Life is now so competitive and challenging that everyone is now concentrating on how their families will survive and enjoy this single life. In this attempt to achieve our goals in life, we cross each other's paths and irritate each other. The result of this “rough” relationship between people is anger. Anger is inevitable in the human environment. “Anger is an experience that occurs when a goal, value, or expectation that I have chosen has been blocked or when my sense of personal worth is threatened.” -Glenn Taylor & Rod Wilson
Anger is a comprehensive process that involves our emotions, and relations and ultimately leads to action. Physically, it increases blood pressure, pulse and our adrenaline levels. Anger can be seen in different forms and expressions including bitterness, wrath, clamour, and evil speaking. Ephesian 4:31.
We are all susceptible to anger. Where does anger come from? Believe systems, our history, the environment and the levels of spiritual maturity determine how often we become angry and the magnitude of the anger. Unresolved hurts (real or imagined), our view of life and learned patterns all contribute to anger. Anger may also be a response to threats to life and self-esteem. We respond to threats in two ways. When the response is directed inward it leads to fear. When the response is directed outward it is anger. But both fear and anger are accountable emotions. We have the power to choose how we respond to threats.
Anger can be expressed by isolating ourselves (the elder brother of the prodigal son, Luke 15:25-29), retaliating (Cain as an example, Genesis 4: 5-8) or by dominating others. How do we deal with anger? Admit it when you are angry and remember there is a difference between anger and aggression which may be a consequence of anger. Commit to managing your anger instead of letting it manage you. Proverbs 16:32 “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
Managed anger asks, “How can I make the situation better?”
Mismanaged anger asks, “Who is to blame?” or “How can I make them pay?”
Mismanaged anger traps us in our past. It chains us to our offenders and forces us to relive our hurts repeatedly without release & healing. It means that we embrace our identity as powerless victims. We all have the power to control anger by learning how to forgive others. Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”. Amen