Controlling anger with master keys from the Bible

Are you having an anger problem? Are people keeping a distance away from you due to your anger? Do you want to control your anger?

I had a wrong understanding of anger for a few decades. Now that I have a better Biblical understanding of anger, I am able to control anger. And I used to have quick outbursts of anger. Now I don’t. Rather rarely, I become angry. If I can do it, you can certainly do so. I will share that and wish to help you, probably, and many others.

Many aspects of anger are given below as questions and answers. Choose to read the anger topics as per your liking.

A. Why is anger considered acceptable?
B. Describe an instance of ‘anger’ from the Bible that had evil consequences.
C. Which Bible verses relate to anger?
D. Does the Holy Bible consider anger acceptable and justified?
E. Is any specific form of anger acceptable? Describe at least one such instance.
F. How can a Christian control anger?
G. What can ultimately happen because of anger?
H. What is the relationship between time and anger?

A. Why is anger considered acceptable?

Joy and peace help a person feel better mentally, emotionally, and physically. It reduces stress. It helps improve the bond between people, gives peace of mind, and contributes to better health.

Whereas anger increases stress, it badly affects body and mind. It damages relationships and, in extreme cases, even causes death.

Yet, many among us are unrestrained about anger.
Many of us think that anger is not murder, so it’s ok.
Anger is not a sexual sin; hence, it is not grievous, so it’s OK.
Anger is not stealing; hence, it’s breaking a law, so there is no need to restrain it.
Anger is not like idol worship, so it’s not required to stop it.

Thus, many such reasonings have made anger an acceptable behavior for many. But this is not a Bible-based understanding.

B. Describe an instance of ‘anger’ from the Bible that had evil consequences.

The earliest record of anger was Cain’s anger mentioned in the first book of the Bible called Genesis. He was the son of Adam and Eve. Cain was angry with God and Abel. God had accepted Abel’s offering of a first-born sheep. Whereas Abel’s offering was a farm crop — not a prized and exclusive offering – so it was not found acceptable by God. Cain’s anger was triggered as his offering was considered “rejected.”

The state of heart matters most for God. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart — These, O God, You will not despise. (Psalm 51:17 NKJV) Abel gave what was most dear to him. Whereas Cain did not esteem God and value the opportunity to make the offering. The acceptable sacrifice for God is : a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. Anything offered by a person having this state of heart is acceptable to God.

Cain was also envious and jealous of Able – as Able’s offering was accepted by God.

The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. (Genesis 4:4b-5)

God had warned Cain that “sin was crouching at his door and urging him to do what is right to be accepted.” But Cain chose not to control his anger. Cain’s unchecked anger progressed into murder. His anger kept brewing and then grew in a heart of envy and jealousy!

C. Which Bible verses relate to anger?

Here are a few verses from various books of the Bible, clearly showing how anger when unchecked can grow into evil.

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm. (Psalm 37:8 NKJV) We are asked not to worry, feel restless, anxious, or uneasy about matters that cause anger.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (Ephesians 4:31 NKJV)

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19 NKJV) We can choose to easily express anger the moment we feel it, or choose to express it in stages in a controlled manner.

He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city. (Proverbs 16:32 AMP)

Here is a verse on how we can avoid situations of anger.

A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath,
But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 AMP)

When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]. (Ephesians 4:26, 27 AMPC)

21 You have heard that it was said to the men of old, You shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court.
22 But I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court; and whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, You cursed fool! [You empty-headed idiot!] shall be liable to and unable to escape the hell (Gehenna) of fire. (Mathew 5:21-22 AMPC)

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite),” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19 AMPC)

In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you. And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels (2 Thessalonians 1:6,7)

O Lord, the God of vengeance,
O God of vengeance, let your glorious justice shine forth! (Psalms 94:1 NKJV)

D. Does the Holy Bible consider anger acceptable and justified?

The Bible clearly says it’s not acceptable to be angry with one’s brother or sister. The verse below clearly asks us to avoid anger with family members and fellow believers.

The repercussions of this are clearly mentioned – the danger of judgment and hell fire.

“You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘Whoever murders shall be guilty before the court.’
But I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice against him shall be guilty before the court; and whoever speaks [contemptuously and insultingly] to his brother, ‘Raca (You empty-headed idiot)!’ shall be guilty before the supreme court (Sanhedrin); and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fiery hell. (Matthew 5:21-22 AMP)

E. Is any specific form of anger acceptable? Describe at least one such instance.

Righteous anger is acceptable.

Anger towards everything that God dislikes and hates is righteous anger. Things which displease God, things that are unholy, wicked, and sinful.

Jesus hated it when people were selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifice and carrying out money exchange transactions within the temple. His anger was kindled for turning His father’s house into a marketplace. (Refer to John 2:13–16)

Another instance is Jesus was in the synagogue, and a man with a deformed hand was present in the temple. But as it was a Sabbath day, the enemies of Jesus were closely watching him, if Jesus would heal on the “Holy Day of rest”.

3 Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” 4 Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him. 5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. (Mark 3: 3-5 NLT)

Jesus then asked the man to stretch out his hand and his hand was healed. Having seen this sabbath day healing, the pharasee met with the supporters of Herod to plot to kill Jesus.

F. How can a Christian control anger?

1. Exit anger at the earliest possible instant. Do not continue in anger. Get out of it as soon as you become aware that you are angry. Have this as a default decision taken and repeated to your mind as a matter of urgency. You have already read the verses mentioned above pointing to this.

2. Remember anger is a place where the devil can get a foothold easily – so do not let that happen. Hence, the urgency of exiting from anger is most urgent. Remind yourself that you do not want to give the devil a foothold in your life.

3. Remember to be slow to anger. A slower car, slower motorcycle have better control. So think and repeatedly think and desire that even when you may have to be angry, you choose to be slow to anger. So if you are used to driving, you know the high gears are the 4th and 5th gears, whereas the low gears are the 2nd gear and 1st gear. You don’t get speed in low gears, but you can climb steep slopes and control the vehicle when you go downhill. So intentionally choose low gears. If you are used to speaking a few anger-drenched sentences, choose to speak fewer sentences in anger. Even the first sentence waits and only then starts.

If you have memorized the below verse, try speaking it to yourself before you speak even the first word or statement in anger.

He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city. (Proverbs 16:32 AMP)

I used to wonder, how could I ever control anger. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, which is found in the Bible verses, I was empowered. Often, I would not remember the precise words, but, in earnestly remembering them and speaking it within without moving lips, I was empowered. (Refer John 6:63, where Jesus says It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. NKJV)

4. Use soft and gentle and thoughtful words and answers. We know when the leaves and twigs are dry by observation; by the sound the dry leaves and dry grass make, we know it is so easy to be lit into a bonfire. But by sprinkling water on the heap, we can prevent it from catching fire.

Using soft, gentle, and thoughtful words has a similar effect. Even if the situation and circumstances are tense and seem to be ripe for anger and wrath, being intentional in using gentle and thoughtful words will certainly diffuse the situation.

Here is a verse from the Bible on which the above statement is based.
A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath,
But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 AMP)

G. What can ultimately happen because of anger?

Anger can give the devil a foothold in your life.

The devil is very focused on its objective. The devil uses tricks, distracts, lies, and cheats everyone with the objective of stealing, killing, and destroying. The devil is intentional to steal and destroy the good relations we have with others.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10-29 NKJV)

We read how when we give anger a foothold in our lives, we can ultimately be lead to achieving the devil’s objectives. We read that in the beginning of this article how Cain, son of Adam and Eve, ultimately killed his very own brother Abel.

H. What is the relationship between time and anger?

Anger is like yeast. A little yeast, when placed in dough, leavens the whole dough. So it’s important not to brood. When we allow anger to stay and continue in our mind, it’s like a magnet which can attract more reasons to fuel our anger.

So do not allow it to remain in our mind. Under no circumstances kick anger off from your mind before sunset.

Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, (Ephesians 4:26 NKJV)

We need to be strongly determined to please Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, as we follow these verses and put them into practice daily. It will not be easy initially. But success will fuel more success until it becomes your lifestyle.

The reason for all of this to succeed is not because of our strength and determination. But in following these scripture verses, we please our Lord Jesus.

Remember this verse.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV)

In our weakness, the strength of Jesus is magnified. Ask for it, receive it. Glorify God when anger leaves and you choose to abide with Jesus Christ instead – who is the prince of peace.

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)