Anger

Few things can cause irreparable damage to relationships like unholy, unchecked anger. Brick by brick the angry tongue imprisons its captive while Satan sits back enjoying the continual burning of bridges and wake of damage, often to the innocent. Unrighteous anger leads to shallow relationships at best and isolation at worst. But there is help if we will yield our will to God in repentance. The Bible has a lot to say about anger and how to deal with those who are our 'enemies'.

As we learn to love ourselves less, we'll love the Savior more, and trust Him with all that happens in our lives. We can learn to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger--praying and waiting for Him to work on our behalf when we are hurt, disappointed, frustrated we don't have an answer, or are angry. This can help the person regularly dealing with an explosive person as well as the person who often 'flies off the handle'.

Do you have an anger problem? One thing that may suggest you do is if another person has ever commented on how you have wrongly  handled your anger. Rest assured, by the time something gets said, it is very likely not the first time this behavior has been seen. Ask yourself about who made the comment to you. What kind of person is it?

I recall in college having a boyfriend tell me he was breaking up with me because of my anger. He was a calm, uncritical sort of guy, so what he said was used immediately to help me see my struggle. As a budding Christian, I wanted to model Christ and knew my actions were not glorifying, which means they were harmful to my testimony. It took time, and I've still not become as good as my husband with returning love for wrongful actions, but the books suggested here were all helpful to me. I hope they, along with wise counsel, will help you.

(All verses are from the NASB)

James 4:1-2 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.

Proverbs 22:24-25 Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.

Colossians 3:8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.

James 1:19-20 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Ephesians 4:25-27 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.

Proverbs 29:11 A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools.

Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.

Psalm 37:8-9 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.

James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
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Help to Get Started, some sermons:

Godly Anger vs. Selfish Anger

Dealing with Problem People

Forgiveness in the Age of Rage

Healing for Hurting Marriages

Video Sermon by Charles Stanley:
How to Handle Anger

Books/brochures to help: