Biblical Answer

What do I do with my anger?

The Bible is clear that anger is a complex emotion that can be both a natural response to injustice and a sign of deeper issues in our hearts. When we feel angry, it's essential to take a step back and examine our hearts. Prayer can be a powerful tool in this process. By meditating on the Lord's Prayer, we can begin to see areas where we may be harboring anger and resentment. The Lord's Prayer is a model for how we can pray for God's will to be done and for forgiveness, even when we feel wronged.

However, anger can be a devious emotion that is hard to identify, even to ourselves. It can be masked by other emotions, such as hurt, frustration, or disappointment. When we recognize anger in our lives, we can't simply try to suppress it or justify it as a necessary response to injustice. Instead, we must acknowledge that anger is ultimately about our relationship with God. When we're angry, it's often because we don't trust God to handle the situation or because we've marginalized Him in our lives. Rather than trying to eliminate anger entirely, we should ask God to temper it with patience and love. This requires a willingness to examine our hearts and seek God's guidance and wisdom.

In this process, it's essential to remember that anger is not about the other person; it's about our own heart. When we grumble or become angry, it's often because we're not trusting God to work out the situation. By seeking God's wisdom and guidance, we can learn to respond to anger in a way that honors God and reflects His love and patience. This may involve speaking the truth in love, rather than lashing out in anger, and seeking to understand the other person's perspective. Ultimately, our goal should be to cultivate a heart that is guided by love and wisdom, rather than anger and resentment. This requires a willingness to submit to God's sovereignty and trust in His goodness, even when we don't understand the circumstances. By doing so, we can learn to navigate anger in a way that brings glory to God and honors our relationship with Him.