MEMORY VERSE: Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9
BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:26-27
INTRODUCTION
Anger is a negative emotion characterised by bitterness towards someone or something, especially when there is a perceived wrong. It often ignites powerful, restless, aggressive feelings and behaviours. The feeling of anger arises due to how we interpret or react to certain situations. Anger is said to be ‘temporary madness’ because it takes over the mind and body and removes the ability to reason with no respect for dignity and friendship. Anger management is gaining control over our emotions and the ability to regulate rage. We can be angry, but it must be managed and not degenerate into sin Psalm 37:8; Ephesians 4:26-27.
OUTLINE
1.ANGER TRIGGERS
2. DEALING WITH ANGER
1.ANGER TRIGGERS
As humans, we have triggers that make us angry and this could be, from trivial to serious concerns Leviticus 10:16-17. Anger issues also stem from a strong feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance Numbers 22:27. Other triggers of anger include hatred/ frustration Jonah 3:10-41; lack of rule over one’s spirit Proverbs 25:28; hasty judgements 2 Samuel 12:5-7; quick temper Proverbs 14:17; acting foolishly 2 Chronicles 16:8-10; transferred aggression Daniel 2:11-12, and unjustifiable reasons Matthew 5:22.
Anger is dangerous because it can result in murder and alter destinies Genesis 49:6-7. It also stirs up strife Proverbs 29:22; ruins/halts good relationships Proverbs 22:24-25; makes one do irrational things Exodus 32:19; brings low-esteem 1 Samuel 17:28-30; makes one say what should not be said 1 Samuel 20:30.
2. DEALING WITH ANGER
Every believer must develop the ability to control his/her temperament, particularly in stressful situations with the help of the Holy Spirit Galatians 5:22-23. It is the ability to show proper behaviour and/or disagree appropriately without losing control of one’s emotions Ephesians 4:26. Self – control is a good regulator for anger Galatians 5:23. We must consciously put anger far away from us Ephesians 4:31. Anger is a vice we must cease from Psalm 37:8. It must be deliberately put off Colossians 3:8.
We must also employ strategies such as being slow to speak James 1:19; providing a soft and gentle answer Proverbs 15:1`; being discreet Proverbs 19:11; walking away from an angry person/scene Proverbs 26:4; talking to oneself “why am i angry” 1 Corinthians 9:27; looking inwards with divine assistance for unresolved issues which trigger anger Psalm 139:23-24; staying calm Proverbs 14:29; not allowing anger to run for days, depicts maturity; learn to be quiet Proverbs 13:3 and attend to issues with knowledge Proverbs 17:27; Proverbs 13:16. If at the slightest provocation, you lose your temper, you must acknowledge that you have anger issues for you to be able to deal with it decisively, see a therapist if need be and ask God for help.
CONCLUSION
God has given us the grace of self- control, so our anger can be managed when we work at it and ask Him to help us. Control anger before it ruins you.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: James 3:2
MON:Psalm 39:1
TUE: Colossians 3:5
WED: Romans 8:13
THUR:Jeremiah 6:30
FRI: 1 Peter 4:11
SAT: Ephesians 4:10