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Matthew 5:21-22

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.

Have you ever been angry? Really ticked off? Bitter? Resentful?  Ever held a deep grudge against another person? The better question is not “Have you?” but “Are you?” Anger is a God-given emotion. Sometimes it moves us to proper action, but left unchecked it is a dangerous emotion. Here are four things to help with controlling our anger.

1. Pray for a balanced perspective.

When Jesus saw the misuses of the temple He was moved to indignation and action. He drove out those selling animals and upended the tables of the moneychangers. Sin against God and injustice against man should move us to indignation as well. However, in order to keep our emotions in check we must pray for the Spirit’s control.

2. Address anger on a daily basis.

I seldom get through a day where someone or something doesn’t tick me off. Paul says that unchecked anger is the devil’s foothold in our lives. We should ask God to deal with our emotions on a daily basis (Ephesians 4:26-27).

3. Stay away from angry people.

Some people are always angry about something. Stay away from them. They will drag you down (Proverbs 22:24-25).

4. Confront and forgive.

Confront the person or situation causing your anger. If it is a person, discuss the issue and choose to forgive. If it is a situation, give it to the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit to control your emotions.

O Father, I can get angry about many things and my emotions can rise quickly. Please control my feelings. Help me to not react. Help me feel indignation for the right things and be moved to honor You in my actions. Help me forgive and move from resentment and bitterness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

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Message Sent: The Bible’s Translation and Distribution