Anger must be stopped instantly so that one can go to sleep without any unkind or unbrotherly feelings for it produces malice and revenge if continued.
1) In your anger do not sin?
"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. (Ephesians 4:26 & 27)
We can never suppose that the apostle Paul delivers the message that, out of anger, one must not sin. These words cannot be taken literally. This Bible passage also does not give us the right to be angry for a specific time. The actual meaning is that anger must be ended immediately because anger by itself is not a fruit of the Spirit. Even for the apostle himself, to be angry and not sin is impossible.
Anger must be stopped instantly so that one can go to sleep without any unkind or unbrotherly feelings. Anger, if continued, produces malice and revenge.
The devil strives to influence your mind and irritate your spirit. Put an end to it at once, otherwise he will gain the advantage over you.
2) Anger is harmful
Cain is an example of the consequences of anger. When God rejected Cain's offering but accepted Abel's, Cain became angry and killed Abel (Genesis 4:4-8). Cain's anger was wrong, first because Abel had done nothing wrong. Anger at sin may be justified, but Cain was angry at someone righteous. Cain was the one who did wrong and was upset because God did not accept his conduct. Second, his anger was wrong because it led him to harm his brother.
3) Adverse physical and mental affects
Anger releases stress hormones. This will cause high blood pressure, reduce thyroid function, increase blood glucose level, increase heart rate and reduce metabolism. When these symptoms become chronic, it can lead to stroke and heart attack. It reduces eyesight and increases migraine and headache. Anger impacts your logical reasoning, judgement, and decision-making.
Anger can be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. It can also exacerbate these conditions or lead to other issues like substance abuse. If anger is not managed, it can lead to social isolation to avoid conflict or potential negative reactions from others. Anger results in physical altercations, verbal threats, or property damage. Anger can negatively impact productivity and strained relationships with coworkers.
The 18th-century British physician John Hunter, who was a pioneer in the field of surgery and served as surgeon to King George III, suffered from angina. Discovering that his attacks were often brought on by anger, Hunter lamented, "My life is at the mercy of any scoundrel who chooses to put me in a passion." These words proved prophetic, for at a meeting of the board of St. George's Hospital in London, Hunter got into a heated argument with other board members, walked out, and dropped dead in the next room.
4) Never speak to hurt
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)
Give an answer, but make it calm. Don't speak to hurt, get even, or antagonize. Be sure you are calm enough to say what is helpful. And if the other person loses control, then you speak in a way that shows you are under control. This turns away wrath, not just the other person's wrath, but your wrath too! When one person gets angry and says something mean, the other tends to respond with something meaner. Then the first must top that. To break the cycle, instead of attacking the other person, calmly say something to help him, not hurt him. A soft answer is the stability of a righteous person who fears the Lord.
5) Think before you speak
"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." (Proverbs 29:11)
The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. Don't just speak out whatever comes to mind. Give an answer, but study it first. Force yourself to analyze the situation and consider the consequences of what you might say or do. You are not forbidden to reply, but sometimes it may be better to set an appointment, a specific time to discuss the issue later.
The problem with anger is that it may lead us to lose control of our conduct and lash out at others with foolish words or deeds that are intended to hurt others and may be regretted later. By contrast, a wise man will control himself, even when he is angry.
6) Work of the flesh
"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)
Faithful believers are risen with Christ, and they sought the things which were above and therefore must avoid injurious and calumnious speaking. Anger or wrath is a work of the flesh. It is characteristic of fools. We are new creations in Christ, and therefore we must put away anything that is connected with pride and evil-speaking, malice and blasphemy, and strife and contention. Anger brings its own punishment and so we should be careful. Anger betrays us into sin and will not accomplish any kind of righteousness. Anger can be averted by spiritual wisdom. The Bible teaches that our words and deeds are controlled by our thoughts. We must learn to control our thoughts and emotions because harbouring sinful thoughts will lead to sinful conduct.
7) Write two letters
Abraham Lincoln's secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, was angered by an army officer who accused him of favouritism. Stanton complained to Lincoln, who suggested that Stanton write the officer a sharp letter. Stanton did, and showed the strongly worded missive to the president. "What are you going to do with it?" Lincoln inquired. Surprised, Stanton replied, "Send it." Lincoln shook his head. "You don't want to send that letter," he said. "Put it in the stove. That's what I do when I have written a letter while I am angry. It's a good letter, and you had a good time writing it, and you feel better. Now burn it, and write another."
Abraham Lincoln always practiced what he told Stanton to do. When he had to write a letter to someone who had irritated him, he would often write two letters. The first letter was deliberately insulting. Then, having gotten those feelings out of his system, he would tear it up and write a second letter, this one more thoughtful, tactful, and discreet.
8) The anger of Moses
A good example of the necessity to control anger or rage is found in the action of Moses. Due to his intense level of exasperation and pain, he reached out with the rod and struck the rock twice in anger. In his rage, Moses disobeyed the clear instructions of the Lord. While the water was released and the people and their livestock were refreshed, the rash action of Moses brought a stern rebuke from the Lord. The judgment of God did not flash out against the people, but it burst against his faithful servants. The end result was a certainty; neither Moses nor Aaron would enter the Land of Promise.
9) We can control our anger
God does not command us to do the impossible. We do not face any temptation that is beyond our ability to handle, including the temptation to lose our temper. God will make a way of escape. There is never an excuse for disobeying God. To say we cannot control our temper is to say God is not faithful. What we need to do is to look for a way of escape. There is no excuse for failing to control our temper. God requires it and will judge us for it.
Selie Visa