Anger is a natural emotion. We all get angry! And while everyone gets angry, we don’t all get angry in the same way.  We learn our preferred method of anger from our parents, from television, from a friend, or someone else. We usually learn to express anger in the way that it was most often demonstrated toward us. Scripture has a lot to say about anger, how it affects us and those to whom we express it. The Word tells us to acknowledge our anger, but not to sin in our anger. God advises us to deal with our anger quickly, and to maintain a forgiveness mindset. 

 

Day 1       Ephesians 4:17-32     

Reflect: In this text, what are the costs of holding on to uncontrolled anger? To what does it open us up? What advice speaks specifically to your anger? 

Apply:   What would be different if you made a habit of admitting, confessing, and expressing your anger to God? What all do feelings of anger, bitterness, and rage rob from you? 

Pray:     Jesus, help me to be slow to anger, quick to forgive, and abounding in steadfast love, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and grace, just as You are toward me.

 

Day 2      James 1:19-21     

Reflect: What is James’ perspective on anger? Why does he use the term “human anger”? If it does not produce righteousness, what does it produce? Why? 

Apply:    How well do you handle anger? Why? Why do you think righteousness is so opposed to anger? How have you experienced this in both positive and negative terms? 

Pray:      God, having a quick temper and becoming easily angered does not benefit me or those around me and does not glorify You. Help me surrender to Your Word, becoming humble and possessing a gentle and quiet spirit.

 

Day 3      Matthew 5:21-22     

Reflect: In your own words, describe Jesus’ view of anger and what it looks and sounds like.  What do you learn from this? What is the difference between anger and aggression? 

Apply: What has uncontrolled anger cost your relationships? Think of a time that you chose to respond with wisdom and patience instead of anger. What happened?

Pray:    Father, I believe anger can destroy households, ruin relationships, and hinder spiritual growth. Purge my heart  of Satan’s stains of anger, judgmentalism, and disrespect. I want to be pure in heart, holding nothing against those You love. 

 

Day 4       Luke 15:25-32     

Reflect: What would you say is the real root cause of the elder son’s anger? Who, and what, is he angry about? What lesson is Jesus teaching in this part of the parable?

Apply:   Think about the things, both trivial and significant, that cause you to become angry. Why do you think these particular situations trigger this emotion in you? 

Pray:      Father, teach me to handle my anger and genuinely reconcile with others without harboring resentment, anger and a desire for retribution. Teach me to rise above anger and to reflect Your heart of love and mercy.

 

Day 5      Matthew 18:21-35     

Reflect: What three things does the master initially do for the servant (verse 27), and why is each act significant? What do you think was the cause of this servant’s anger against his fellow servant? Why do anger and unforgiveness torture and imprison us?

Apply:   How quick are you to forgive when you’ve been hurt or offended? Why? What methods do you use to keep your cool when someone gets angry at you or attacks you? 

Pray:      Lord, I choose to forgive _________. I release bitterness and anger, knowing that forgiveness is a gift I give to myself as well. May Your love guide both of us toward reconciliation and healing.

 

Put It Into Practice!

There is always an underlying source of anger.  People do not make us angry; we choose to be angry. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you uncover the root of your anger and to replace it with His good fruit.