Biblical Answer

The Struggle between Love and Anger

The struggle between love and anger is a universal human experience. We all face situations that trigger anger, and we must learn to choose between love and anger in our daily lives. This struggle is not just about our relationships with others, but also about our relationship with God. As the Bible says, "Be angry and do not sin" (Psalm 4:4). This means that anger is not inherently evil, but it can become evil when we allow it to control us.

Understanding Anger

To choose between love and anger, we must first understand our own hearts. Anger is often a mask for deeper issues, such as hurt, fear, or pain. When we are angry, we may think that it is about the other person, but the Bible says, "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city" (Proverbs 16:32). This means that our anger reveals more about our own heart than it does about the other person. Anger is a devious emotion that can be hard to find, and it can be done without even feeling it. Therefore, we must pray, "Lord, search me," and ask God to temper our anger with patience and love.

Choosing Love

To choose love over anger, we must be guided by love and wisdom. Love remembers its own offenses and sins and the great forgiveness received, and therefore does not constantly pick at the other person's mistakes. Love is quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19). When we are angry, we must not suppress it, but also not vent it in a way that will do further damage. Instead, we must ask God for wisdom, and seek to understand our own heart and the situation. We must also remember that anger is not to hang around like a cloud over relationships, but rather it should be dealt with quickly and humbly. By choosing love over anger, we can build stronger relationships and deepen our relationship with God. As the Bible says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud" (1 Corinthians 13:4). By choosing love, we can become more like God and experience the joy and peace that comes from following Him.