Dealing with Anger, Part 2

“Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him — a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:5-15

Some more boundary markers on handling the volatile emotion of anger include:

Deal directly with the situation or responsible party who has irked you. Face such conflict head on. Refuse to spread your anger to other parties. Receive counsel only if you are unsure how to constructively deal with your anger.

Resolve your anger as quickly as possible under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes you need a cool down period before expressing your anger. But it is folly to let your anger brew over days, weeks, or months. That is the perfect breeding ground for bitterness and division.

Remember that the temperament and personality of other people can easily provoke you. If this is the catalyst that makes you angry, your best choice is to accept others as God accepts you - freely and unconditionally.

Make a daily choice to submit to the reign of the Holy Spirit in your emotional life. Put your focus on Christ and the peace He gives in all circumstances. The sweeter your fellowship with Jesus, the more like Him you will naturally become with the Spirit’s help.

That is the lifestyle God has called you to, and it is within this context that anger can be handled appropriately.

“The moment I started hating a man, I became his slave...He even controls my thoughts.” -S.I. McMillen