Many of you probably suffer from anger problems. Therefore, it is important that you learn what the Bible says anger. The dictionary defines anger as “a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility”. Most of us feel anger at sometime in our lives and many of us don’t just feel anger we suffer from in ability to control our anger. So what does the Bible say about anger.
Be Slow to Get Angry
The book of James gives us specific instructions on anger. James tells us that we are to be quick to listen. If you are angry, then you are less likely to listen. In fact, if you are angry you are more likely to speak first and listen second. This is the exact opposite of what God desires. God desires that you be slow to get angry and quick to listen.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
James 1:19-20 NIV
Anger is Contagious
Have you ever noticed that when you are around angry people that you tend to become angry more often. That’s right anger is contagious. The solution to this problem is to not be around people that are angry all the time. If you are not to be around angry people then who should you be around. You should be around those who are quick to listen and slow to get angry.
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV
do not associate with one easily angered,
or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared.
Get Control of Your Anger
Remember the definition of anger. Remember the first words are a strong feeling. Anger is a strong feeling, but it is a feeling that can be controlled just as any other feeling can be controlled. By getting control of you anger you will find that you become more patient with others and you will also find that you will overlook offenses rather than getting angry.
A person’s wisdom yields patience;
Proverbs 19:11 NIV
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
So what happens if you can’t control your anger. Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians that by not controlling your anger “you give the devil a foothold”. All the devil needs is a single foothold and he can start to destroy your life.
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV
Anger Has Consequences
Many of you don’t understand that your anger has consequences. Your anger can and will cause you to do foolish and stupid things. Especially if you lose your temper quickly. A person who loses their temper will stir up trouble. All of these things causes you to commit many sins. That’s right your anger can and will cause you to sin. In fact losing your temper (getting angry) is a sin.
A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
Proverbs 14:17 NIV
and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
Whoever is patient has great understanding,
Proverbs 17:29 NIV
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
Proverbs 15:1 NIV
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
Proverbs 15:18 NIV
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
An angry person stirs up conflict,
Proverbs 29:22 NIV
and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
Hot Temper Aren’t Cool
Despite what popular culture says having a hot temper is not cool. It is not cool to blow up at people constantly. It is a sign of ignorance to be constantly losing your temper. In fact the wise person will overlook an insult rather than losing their temper over something as simple as insult.
Fools show their annoyance at once,
Proverbs 12:16 NIV
but the prudent overlook an insult.
Anger Is Dangerous
Anger is a sin and is, therefore, dangerous. Why? Because your anger puts you in danger of judgment. Not man’s judgement, unless your anger causes you to violate man’s law, but your anger puts you in danger of God’s judgement. God is a God of love and not anger. God is slow to get angry and so should you.
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Matthew 5:21-22 NIV
If you learn nothing else from this learn this: God is not a God of anger, but of love. God is slow to anger and quick to mercy. Remember your anger and your lack of control of your anger is dangerous. God does not want to execute judgement against, but he will if you choose to ignore his commands. Choose today to not get angry, instead choose today to forgive and love just as God chooses to forgive and love.