A Few Simple Ways to Give Anger a Beat Down

Mike Hosey, Elder

Everyone gets angry.  No one is immune. Even Jesus experienced it (Matthew 21:12).  Still, anger often makes for greater problems than what it solves.  In fact, it can be so much of a problem that the bible warns us to be slow to anger (James 1:19) and advises us that a human-centered kind of anger does NOT bring about the righteous life that God desires for us. No one has time for the wrong kind of anger – especially those of us seeking that righteous life.  So here are a few tips to deal with it:

1). Strive to imitate God: God is slow to anger (Exodus 34:6). But you might ask how does a human achieve this? Well James 1:19 gives us some hints.  That verse tells us to be quick to hear. What that means is that we should listen with a mind for discernment. God has perfect discernment, but we do not. So we must listen for facts (not feelings) to judge if what is happening is worth our anger. Then James tells us to be slow to speak.  What that means is that we shouldn’t say anything until we’ve listened well, and understand the facts, and have discerned if anger is appropriate and Godly.

2). We should shape our characters  toward meekness:  Depending on your translation, James 1:20-21 tells us that in order to fend off unrighteous anger, we are to either “humbly” or “meekly” accept the saving word that has been implanted in us. The Greek word for meek or humble here does NOT mean weak. Instead, a meek person is one who has developed his character so well that he is able to get angry at the right time, for the right reason, and express it toward the right person in the right way. It is a gentleness of spirit that flows from our character. It is actually a matter of strength! James tells us that in order to have that character we must get rid of evil and filthiness from our lives. When we do this, we won’t be as prone to the wrong kind of anger.

3). Be a doer of God’s word:  James 1:22-25 tells us that people who hear the word but don’t do it, forget that word. Therefore, it has no effect on their lives. In other words they are not shaped by God's word because they haven’t put it into practice. But those who study the word intently, and then do the good works found in it, will be rewarded. Proverbs 25:22 gives us a perfect example.  When you’re enemy is hungry or thirsty, give him food and drink. He might be changed, and God will reward you through doing those good works – probably by shaping you into a more Christ-like person.