Biblical Answer

Understanding the Battle for Self-Control

As a Christian, we are in a spiritual battle against sin, and one of the key areas where we struggle is with our temper. We are not just talking about a minor annoyance or frustration, but a full-blown, out-of-control anger that can lead to sinful behavior. This battle is not just about human effort, but about recognizing the role of demonic influence in intensifying sinful tendencies. When we struggle with anger, we need to remember that it is not just a human issue, but a spiritual one that requires prayer, discipline, and self-awareness.

The Importance of Self-Discipline

To gain self-control, we need to discipline ourselves, just like a parent disciplines their child. This means recognizing the patterns of our behavior and making a conscious effort to change. We need to ask ourselves questions like "Am I a dad or mom who vents in anger?" or "Am I learning to control my own outbursts?" We need to anticipate what may trigger our anger and take steps to prevent it. This requires diligence and training, just like a musician practices to perfect their craft. We need to remember that God disciplines us like a parent disciplines their child, and that we should allow Him to put us into a right-standing relationship with Him.

The Power of Prayer and Scripture

Prayer is a key part of our battle for self-control. We need to pray for God to temper our anger with patience and love. We need to meditate on Scripture, like the Lord's Prayer, and make it our own. We need to recognize that anger is not just a human emotion, but a means of controlling people that is not God's way. We need to get rid of bitterness, rage, and anger, and replace it with love, kindness, and compassion. This requires a willingness to fight against our sinful nature and to seek God's help and guidance. As we do, we will begin to see a transformation in our lives, and we will be able to say with Andrew Murray that the great secret to a peaceful life is to be "slow to anger" and "abstain from evil." (Proverbs 19:11)