The Problem of Anger

"And 'don’t sin by letting anger control you.' Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT)

The first thing we need to recognise is that anger is a problem. The Bible says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (James 1:19–20) You cannot be angry and live the righteous life that God desires.

Anger is like a persistent weed in the garden of life. Just as weeds, if left unchecked, can overrun and choke out the beautiful plants, uncontrolled anger can overwhelm and diminish the virtues in your life. It can cloud judgment, lead to hurtful actions, and create a barrier between you and others, including God.

It's often said that “Anger is one letter short of danger,” and this serves as a good warning. Anger can cause significant damage not only to your life but also to the lives of those around you.

Anger can lead to relational problems, such as the loss of marriage, family, and friends. It can also cause major life issues like loss of job, lawsuits, property damage, harm to others, and even murder. Emotionally, if you are an angry person, it will affect you at every level. Physically, anger has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, headaches, stomach issues, ulcers, colitis, and insomnia.

Anger is particularly dangerous because it is self-reinforcing. When we get angry, we often see immediate results, which makes us more likely to resort to anger again. As one man of God said, “Anger gets what I ask for but not what I want.” Anger is a shortcut that short-circuits relationships and true satisfaction in life. You might get immediate results, but you lose out on long-term fulfilment and joy.

It's been said, “Either learn to control your anger, or it will control you.” Acknowledging anger as a significant issue is the first step in dealing with it. Lord Jesus's teachings offer guidance in managing anger, emphasising forgiveness, understanding, and compassion. Embracing the principles in the Word of God not only mitigates anger's hold but also opens the path to greater happiness and a more harmonious life.

The Problem of Anger

Most Read