“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
The Reality of Anger
“In your anger do not sin…” Ephesians 4:26 NIV
The Danger of Anger
Genesis 4:1-8 (Cain and Abel)
Jesus on Anger
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
How to Not Lose Your Cool:
- Stop and think before reacting
“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” Proverbs 29:11 NLT
“Wise people think before they act; fools don’t…” Proverbs 13:16 NLT
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20 NIV
- Understand why you get angry
“A person’s wisdom yields patience” Proverbs 19:11 NIV
3 Main Causes:
Hurt
Frustration
Insecurity
“Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.” James 4:1-2 MSG
- Practice doing the right things ahead of time
- Practice overlooking offenses
“…it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 NIV
“Don’t eavesdrop on the conversation of others. What if the gossips about you and you’d rather not hear it? You’ve done that a few times, haven’t you—said things behind someone’s back you wouldn’t say to his face?” Ecclesiastes 7:21 MSG
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23 NIV
- Practice mediating on your identity in Christ
- Watch your emotional gauges
- Learn to relax
“A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life…” Proverbs 14:30 LB
- Learn how to walk in the Spirit
“So, I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 NIV