Biblical Answer

What do I do with my anger?

Understanding Anger

The first step in addressing anger is to understand its nature. Anger is a complex emotion that can be difficult to recognize and manage. It can manifest in various ways, including feelings of resentment, frustration, and hurt. The Bible warns us that anger can be devious and hard to find, often operating beneath the surface without our conscious awareness (Psalm 139:23-24). Therefore, it is essential to pray and ask God to search our hearts and reveal any anger we may be harboring.

Confronting Anger

When we encounter anger, we must confront it head-on. This involves examining our own heart and motivations. We must ask ourselves why we are angry and what we hope to achieve through our anger. The Bible teaches us that anger is ultimately about God, revealing our lack of trust in Him (Psalm 78:40-41). By recognizing this, we can begin to address the root cause of our anger and develop a more trusting relationship with God. This process involves looking at ourselves earlier, longer, and harder than we do others, acknowledging our own flaws and shortcomings (Matthew 7:3-5).

Managing Anger

Managing anger requires a combination of self-awareness, prayer, and wisdom. We must learn to recognize the signs of anger in ourselves, including feelings of resentment, frustration, and hurt. We can then pray for God to temper our anger with patience and love (Colossians 3:8). Rather than suppressing or venting our anger, we should seek to understand its underlying causes and address them in a constructive manner. By doing so, we can develop a more loving and compassionate heart, reflecting the character of God (Ephesians 4:32). Ultimately, anger is an opportunity to know God better and deepen our trust in Him. By embracing this process, we can learn to manage our anger in a way that honors God and brings peace to our lives.