How Do You Control Your Anger? Part Two

Ephesians 4: 26, 27 & 30 – 32

        We have got to learn how to handle anger or it will destroy us individually if not our total society. “The Dallas Herald” noted, “A person’s hostility and anger toward others could lead to heart disease and premature death.” 

        According to Dr. Redford B. Williams of Duke University Medical Center, “Individuals who harbor hostility and anger toward others are five times more likely to die from heart disease and six times more likely to die prematurely from other causes.”

        Seneca, is a major philosophical figure of the Roman Imperial Period, was right when he said, “Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.”

        Keep flaming up and you will soon burn out.

        We must either learn to control our anger or it will control us. When it controls, it puts us under the penalty of death. The negative impact is even worse spiritually.

        A child asked, “Dad, how do wars begin?”

        “Well, take the First World War,” said the dad. “That got started when Germany invaded Belgium.”

        Immediately the wife interrupted: “Tell the boy the truth. It began because somebody was murdered.”  Ole dad sat up straight and indignantly said, “Are you answering this question or am I?”

        Turning her back in a huff the wife stormed out slamming the door.

        When the dishes stopped rattling, the uneasy silence was broken by the son who said, “Daddy, you don’t have to tell me any more; I know now.”   That is how progressive anger can be.

        Listen to the counsel of God’s Word:

        “Everyone should be…slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1: 19,20).

        “A fool will give full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (Prov. 29:11).

        If you speak when you are angry, it will be the best speech that you will ever regret.

        Biblically three improper ways are noted as to how anger is released.

        “Brawling” is a reference to shouting and crying.

        “Slander” is an attempt to defame someone.

        “Malice” is the desire to injure or harm someone.

        A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel” (Prov. 15:18).

        Will Rogers said, “People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.”

        “Do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared” (Prov. 22: 24,25).

        Ask the Lord to govern your anger. He can do it if you cooperate.