Stepping Stones: Let Anger Be Your Servant

Transformational Tip

Our feelings, emotions, are the source of some tremendous highs in life…and also some of our lowest times. Anger is probably one of the more base emotions, but also one of the more complex.

Society compounds are understanding of anger by not knowing much about anger, not teaching kids about anger, and not tolerating anger in ourselves or others at all.

Some of us tend to hold our anger in, sometimes allowing bitterness and resentment to build. On the other hand, some of us have more of a tendency to vent our anger immediately. This response could be described as "blowing up" or being "hot under the collar."

The Bible teaches that anger is really a great warning system, letting us know if there is danger or a potential problem. Where anger becomes sinful and harmful if when we let anger become our decision maker…it usually produces some pretty poor responses to a difficult situation.

Today, to learn to manage your anger, ask “What am I being warned about?” then when you identify the problem, look for a solution. When you solve the problem, the warning sign…the anger…will no longer be there. It is at this point that anger has become your servant and can be productive.
Click here to share your perspective about how your anger can be your servant.

Prayer
Dear Father God, Teach me to respond to people with a gentle answer, rather than harsh words and actions. Teach me wisdom and patience and help me to respond in love and forgiveness. Help me use this great gift of anger in the way You designed me to use it. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who perfected anger management, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
Proverbs 15:1

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
Proverbs 29:11

So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!”
John 2:15,16
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Colossians 3:8

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
Ephesians 4:26