Ephesians 4:26
In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
What is Anger?
Webster describes anger in a few ways. Here are some ways they have defined it.
1. a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism
2: a threatening or violent appearance or state
Speaking of "threatening" and "violent" appearance, that brings to mind a show that used to come on in the 80s called the Incredible Hulk. Before turning into the Hulk, completely unrecognizable from his human form, he usually gave the warning “You won’t like me when I’m angry”.
Anger if allowed can turn us into someone that we don’t recognize.
Here are some key points when dealing with Anger:
1. Pray and don’t stay angry
Holding on to the offense and replaying it in your mind will only wear you down and cause additional stress. Some of you have experienced severe and long abuse. Consider going to therapy and make it a priority to seek out places that offer sessions. If that is not an option look into connecting with a church that offers counseling. Some communities also offer counseling sessions. There are also doctors that offer online services as an option.
Ephesians 4:31 tells us to let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Ephesians 4:26-27
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Proverbs 15:1
Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
2. Talk it Out
Sometimes you will need to actually have the "hard" conversations with the person that hurt you. Sometimes that is not possible because they may no longer be living or you are not able to find them. If you do have the opportunity to "talk it out", you want to make sure that you enter the conversation with resolving the issue as the goal. The conversation should be honest, respectful and done in love.
Leviticus 19:17-18
Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
With this in mind, you don't want to expect too much from the conversation other than you have spoken your truth. Expecting an apology may or may not happen. Either way, just know that you have done your part and make a decision with yourself that you will be ok whether they apologize or not.
3. Pray and Address your anger
1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "Pray without ceasing". It is too hard to carry a burden of anger or anything else for that matter. We pray to God to ask Him to help us overcome our feelings or rage and even unforgiveness. Prayer helps to strengthen our faith and increases our endurance. Keep praying even when you don't feel like it.
4. Put love on it
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict,
but love covers over all wrongs.
