Young People's Group

DEALING WITH WRONG FEELINGS OF ANGER

by Pastor Mitch
July 17, 2005

The Harmful Feelings Of Anger

Someone once wrote, “Anger is one letter short of danger”. In some ways, this statement implies how dangerous anger can be. Very often, when we do not know how to control our anger, it can lead to both grave and dire results. Relationships that were once strong and growing can be cut off and destroyed by the sinful nature of anger. Young people, do we often get caught up with wrong irate feelings? Anger can generate all kinds of strife among friends.

“An angry man stirs up strife,
And a furious man abounds in transgression.”
Proverbs 29:22

It can also cause a person to indulge and abound in wrong doings. It can lead people to do that which is cruel and injurious.

“Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent,
But who is able to stand before jealousy?”
Proverbs 27:4

Jealousy and hatred can create a torrent of wrong feelings against others within a person. Wrong feelings of anger must be dealt with or they may lead to harmful results.

Practical Wisdom Concerning Anger

The book of Proverbs teaches its readers practical wisdom concerning the issue of anger.

“A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1

When there is an exchange of harsh words, how easy it is to stir up anger. However, when a person chooses wisely to speak in a soft manner, it will turn away wrath.

“A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention.”
Proverbs 15:18

A man who is full of wrath will constantly create tension and conflict among people. And yet, when one is slow to anger, he will avoid contention. It takes wisdom to do this.

Learning To Be Slow To Anger

How can we go about it?

1. Having Discretion

“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
And his glory is to overlook a transgression.”
Proverbs 19:11

The key is to have discretion and discernment. When a person is wise, he will learn what it means to be slow to anger. He will learn how to be gracious and overlook the wrong doings of others. This will be his glory.

2. Having Self Control

“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
Proverbs 16:32

We all need to cultivate self control. When a person is slow to anger, he is considered better than a mighty and angry warrior who takes a city. The challenge for us is to have a mastery of our own spirit. It is the Lord who must help us with this (bit by bit). Let’s learn to deal with the sin of anger in prayer and in memorising His word. Let’s learn to have the wisdom to exercise self control always.

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