Word for Wednesday-Defusing Anger
The key to anger management is learning to control your reactions before you encounter an anger-provoking situation. Let's look at some practical verses and see what the Bible tells us to do.
Five Biblical Steps for Anger Management
Step 1: Stop Before You React
Proverbs 14:17 "A person who quickly loses his temper does foolish things, but a person with understanding remains calm." (NCV)
You know the old saying, "engage your brain before putting your mouth in gear".
Step 2: Ask the Questions "Why am I angry?" and "What do I want?"
Proverbs 2:1-5 "My child, if you take my words to heart...if you pay close attention to wisdom and let your mind reach for understanding, if you ask for insight, if you ask out loud for understanding, if you search for wisdom … then your will understand what it means to fear the Lord." (GW)
Step 3: Listen
James 1:19-20 "Dear friends, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Anger will not help you live a good life as God wants." (NCV)
"Even fools seem smart when they are quiet." Proverbs 17:28
"Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
Step 4: Rethink
" For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife." Proverbs 30:33 RSV
Jesus said, "What comes from your heart is what makes you unclean. Out of your heart come evil thoughts …. " Mark 7:20-21 (CEV)
"Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right … things that are true … practice what you have learned … " Philippians 4:8-9 (GW)
Step 5: GO
"Go ahead and be angry ... but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry, and don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life." Ephesians 4:26 (The Message)
React or Respond.
I have a response already in my mind. I think before speaking, then I am responding.
It I react then I usually make a foolish comment that causes everyone harm.
Father, help us to respond and not react. In Christ's name, Amen.
David Massey