Do I Need to Manage Anger as a Disciple of Jesus?

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. If left unchecked, this can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss, and aneurysms. 

Just as managing hypertension is crucial for physical health, addressing inner struggles is vital for spiritual and emotional well-being. While medications can help control hypertension, inner struggles can be managed through faith and aligning one's mind with the teachings of the Word of God. One common emotion that can cause inner turmoil is anger.

Emotions Reflect Our Likeness to God

As human beings, we are created in the image and likeness of God, and part of that likeness includes having emotions. God Himself experiences emotions such as anger, happiness, sadness, and displeasure. For example, He was angry when the Israelites made a golden calf to worship while Moses was on Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:10). He also expresses happiness for those who reverently fear Him and trust in His steadfast love (Psalm 147:11).

Emotions are a gift from God that allow us to connect deeply with Him and with others. They make us human. Like God, we should feel anger when our values as Christians are compromised. We should also feel disgust at the sins of the world, such as corruption and violence, and find happiness in our relationship with the Lord.

Understanding Anger

Anger is a natural emotion and not inherently sinful. It's what we do when we're angry that can lead to sin. Think of anger like a fire in a frying pan; if left unchecked, it can cause significant damage. The best way to deal with a fire in a pan is to cover it with a lid, not to pour water on it. Similarly, we need to manage our anger appropriately.

The Bible provides guidance on this matter. In Ephesians 4:26-27 (NASB95), it says, "Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity." This passage acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion but warns against letting it lead to sin. It emphasizes the importance of not holding onto anger for too long, as doing so can give the devil a foothold in our lives.

Paul's advice to the Ephesians highlights that feeling anger is not wrong, but it's crucial to manage it properly. Anger can be healthy when it motivates us to address injustices or defend our values. However, it becomes unhealthy when it leads to hatred or harmful actions. The key is to address the source of anger constructively and not let it fester.

Anger, if left unchecked, can be hazardous, much like hypertension. Just as untreated high blood pressure can lead to severe health issues, unmanaged anger can give the devil an opportunity to tempt us into sin. Managing our emotions with wisdom and grace reflects our faith and helps us live in a way that honors God.

Anger Provides Us Valuable Insights

Anger, like all emotions, serves a purpose. It signals that something important to us might be at risk or has been violated. Understanding and managing this emotion can provide valuable insights into our values and beliefs.

Anger often arises when our values are challenged. Values are the principles or standards of behavior that we hold dear, such as fairness, love, and respect. When these values are threatened, anger is a natural response. 

In some instances, anger is warranted because it highlights a violation of important values. However, how you respond to this anger is crucial. The Bible advises in Ephesians 4:26-27 (NASB95), "Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity." This means it is okay to feel anger, but it is essential to manage it in a way that does not lead to sinful actions.

Sometimes, anger can indicate deeper issues within ourselves. It often acts as a secondary emotion, masking more primary problems such as jealousy or pride. Anger serves as a catalyst to recognize and address deeper personal issues. If left unaddressed, these underlying emotions can lead to sinful behavior. The right action is to treat the root cause, such as jealousy or pride, rather than merely suppressing the anger.

Seeking Wisdom Through God’s Guidance

When dealing with anger, especially when it masks deeper issues, seeking wisdom through God’s guidance is crucial. Before acting on your anger, take a moment to seek knowledge and understanding through prayer. James 1:5 (NASB95) advises, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Wisdom involves the application of knowledge and understanding to make sound decisions.

God generously offers wisdom to those who ask, as it aligns our actions with His will. The key to accessing this wisdom is prayer, which allows us to communicate with God at any time. When faced with anger, ask God for guidance. This pause can reveal whether the anger is justified, highlight personal issues that need addressing, or provide a wise course of action.

Emotions, including anger, are a significant part of being human and reflect our likeness to God. They offer insights into our values and highlight areas that may need attention. By listening to our emotions and seeking God’s wisdom, we can manage anger constructively and avoid letting it lead us into sin. Remember, anger itself is not sinful, but how we handle it can either align us with God’s will or lead us astray. Seek wisdom, act with patience, and let your emotions guide you towards understanding and growth.

Determine What Action to Take 

After seeking wisdom and asking God for help regarding your anger, the next step is to determine the appropriate action. This decision-making process involves discerning whether to take action or refrain from it, always ensuring that our actions align with God’s will and glorify Him.

Sometimes, the best course of action is to refrain from acting. After careful investigation and prayer, you might realize that the situation causing your anger is not as significant as you initially thought. Acting on such anger could lead to sin, so choosing inaction can be wise and reflective of God’s character.

At other times, taking action is necessary. When God reveals through wisdom that an action is required, failing to act can be a sin of omission. Taking the right action with God’s guidance ensures that your response aligns with His will and glorifies Him. 

When deciding to act, consider whether your action glorifies God and reflects His character. This alignment ensures that your response is rooted in love, patience, kindness, and other fruits of the Spirit. Even when confronting those you dislike or consider enemies, act with love. Jesus instructs us to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). Responding with love reflects God’s character and fulfills His command.

Avoid Holding on to Anger

Anger, if left unchecked, can lead to negative emotions and actions. Scripture advises not to let anger persist, as it can give the devil an opportunity to tempt you. 

You cannot avoid feeling anger but can manage it to prevent it from growing into something more harmful. If you are struggling with anger reflect on Ephesians 4:26-27 and seek God’s wisdom to manage your anger constructively, ensuring it does not lead to sin. Pray for guidance, act in ways that glorify God, and focus on what you can control. Let your actions reflect God’s love and wisdom in every situation!