As both a mental health professional and a believer, I’ve seen how unmanaged anger can devastate relationships and personal well-being. Yet anger itself isn’t sinful—it’s what we do with it that matters.
Understanding Anger’s Purpose
Anger often signals that something important to us feels threatened or violated. Even Jesus expressed righteous anger when confronting injustice in the temple. The key lies not in suppressing anger but in processing it faithfully and constructively.
Biblical Wisdom for Angry Moments
Ephesians 4:26-27 offers profound guidance: “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” This passage acknowledges anger as natural while emphasizing the importance of timely resolution and preventing bitterness from taking root.
Practical Faith-Based Strategies
When anger rises, pause and pray—even a brief “Lord, help me respond with wisdom” can shift your perspective. Take deep breaths and remember that God calls us to be “slow to anger” (James 1:19). This doesn’t mean becoming passive, but rather responding thoughtfully rather than reactively.
Consider what your anger might be teaching you about your values or boundaries. Sometimes anger reveals areas where we need to advocate for ourselves or others with love and firmness.
Grace in the Process
Remember that learning to manage anger is a journey of sanctification. When we fail, God’s grace covers us, and His Spirit empowers us to grow. Lean into prayer, seek wise counsel, and trust that God is transforming your heart day by day.
Salt + Cedar Collective 