How To Control Anger In The Bible

Anger is a natural human emotion, but uncontrolled anger can damage relationships and hurt others. As Christians, God calls us to handle our anger in healthy ways that align with biblical principles. If you feel like your anger is out of control, take heart – the Bible offers much wisdom on how to tame this powerful feeling.

If you don’t have time to read this full article right now, here is a quick summary of biblical strategies for controlling anger: pray for patience and self-control, remove yourself from anger-inducing situations, forgive others, rely on the peace of God, be slow to speak and quick to listen during conflicts.

Putting just one of these principles into practice can make a big difference.

Understand the Root Causes of Your Anger

Anger often stems from deeper issues in our hearts and minds. By understanding some common root causes of anger, we can begin addressing these roots through God’s wisdom and find more constructive ways to respond.

Sinful Heart Attitudes

Sinful attitudes like pride, selfishness, and envy can easily spark anger when our desires are not met (James 4:1-3). For example, we may react in anger when our pride is threatened or when someone else receives an opportunity we feel we deserve.

Aligning our hearts with godly virtues like humility, selflessness, and contentment can help diffuse these sinful anger triggers.

Unmet Expectations

When life does not go as we expect, we can respond with frustration and anger. God’s plans are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), so embracing an attitude of trust even amidst disappointment can help us release angry reactions.

We can also minimize unnecessary expectations by prioritizing what matters most according to God’s Word.

Past Hurts

Anger sometimes masks deeper hurts from past experiences like trauma, grief, or wounds inflicted by others (Genesis 4:3-8). Bringing these root hurts into the light through prayer and biblical counsel allows God an opportunity to bring healing.

Replacing bitterness with forgiveness can help break negative anger cycles (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Exploring the origins of our anger with humility, honesty, and wise counsel helps us address these roots in a godly manner. As we understand the source, we can respond in line with God’s Word rather than reacting rashly.

This prevents anger from taking control and enables us to move forward in peace (Proverbs 29:11).

Biblical Strategies for Controlling Anger

Pray for Patience and Self-Control

When feeling angry, praying to God for patience, understanding, and self-control can help calm emotions (Colossians 3:12). Asking God for strength to respond gently and reset focus towards positive solutions is wise.

Studies show prayer and meditation literally change brain structure and function, reducing hostility and aggression (NCBI). Make prayer for self-control and patience a daily habit.

Separate Yourself from Anger Triggers

When feeling irritated, take a “time out” to prevent escalation (Psalm 4:4). Leave the situation temporarily to calm down and gain control. Breathe deeply, take a walk, listen to relaxing music – find what works to short circuit the anger response.

Seek peaceful environments and limit time with anger-provoking people or situations when possible.

Practice Forgiveness

Letting go of grudges and showing mercy diminishes anger’s grip. Forgiveness benefits emotional and physical health, reducing anxiety, depression and stress (Greater Good Science Center). Though difficult at times, the Bible teaches forgiveness brings freedom and peace (Colossians 3:13).

Start small by forgiving everyday slights instead of holding onto them.

Rely on God’s Peace

God promises supernatural peace when minds are fixed on Him (Philippians 4:6-7). Reading scripture, praising God through worship music, and practicing gratitude shifts focus from anger triggers to the unshakable God.

Allow His words to renew the mind (Romans 12:2), replacing destructive thought patterns. Surrounding oneself with Bible verses on controlling anger reminds of His presence and power in struggles.

Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

Careful listening shows respect, builds connections and increases understanding – defusing tension which can lead to anger (James 1:19-20). Ask clarifying questions instead of making assumptions. Thoughtfully consider advice received before formulating responses (Proverbs 18:13).

Saying less prevents saying things one might regret. God gave mankind two ears but only one mouth – listen twice as much as speaking!

Seeking Accountability and Professional Help

Anger is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, uncontrolled anger can lead to damaged relationships, poor health, and even violence. For some people, anger becomes a chronic problem that negatively impacts their lives.

Seeking accountability and professional help are important steps to gain control over destructive anger.

Find an Accountability Partner

Having an accountability partner provides support and keeps you focused on making positive changes. This partner can be a trusted friend, family member, or member of your church. Meet regularly to discuss progress and setbacks. Ask them to gently confront unhelpful behaviors and provide encouragement.

According to research by the American Psychological Association^[1], accountability significantly increases the likelihood of achieving goals.

Join an Anger Management Group

Anger management groups provide a supportive environment for learning new skills. Led by a trained facilitator, members discuss anger triggers and practice coping techniques. Groups hold participants accountable while also providing understanding that others struggle with similar issues.

Studies show that group therapy is highly effective at reducing anger outbursts^[2].

Get Professional Counseling

For some, individual counseling provides the most effective path to overcoming chronic anger. Psychologists and licensed therapists are experts at uncovering the root causes of anger and providing tools to handle triggers in a healthy way.

Through counseling, you can gain insight into how past experiences may contribute to current anger problems. Counselors create customized treatment plans which may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and communication skill building.

Getting anger under control often requires input and effort from multiple sources. By surrounding yourself with supportive accountability partners, learning from others in anger management groups, and obtaining professional counseling, you will be well on your way to gaining freedom from destructive anger.

Scriptures to Memorize on Anger Management

Anger is a strong emotion that can quickly lead us into sin if we don’t learn to control it. Here are some key Bible verses to memorize that can help with anger management.

Proverbs 29:11 – The Fool Speaks

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” This verse reminds us that unleashing anger only leads to foolishness. Staying calm and controlling our temper is a mark of wisdom.

James 1:19-20 – Be Slow to Anger

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” These insightful verses advise us to pause before reacting in anger, listen to others, and take time to process our emotions.

Ephesians 4:26-27 – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down

“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.” It’s natural to get angry sometimes, but we shouldn’t let it fester. Address issues promptly before anger takes root and causes bigger problems.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Anger Rests in the Bosom of Fools

“Anger resides in the lap of fools.” Uncontrolled anger leads to foolish choices and rash decisions we’ll likely regret. It’s important to step back, slow down our response, and not act purely out of anger.

Proverbs 15:1 – A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Communicating gently and kindly, even when we’re upset, often averts escalating anger. Let’s season our speech with grace.

Memorizing just a few verses like these can help us recall God’s wisdom when anger starts to rise up. Letting the Word dwell in us richly helps us respond with patience, kindness and self-control.

Conclusion

Anger can feel overwhelming, but with God’s strength and biblical wisdom, it is possible to gain control over this intense emotion. Start by identifying root causes of anger issues, then put biblical anger management principles into daily practice.

Scripture memorization, accountability, and outside support can also help transform anger management. As you walk closely with God, He will produce His fruit of patience and self-control in your life.