Get anger issues under control with God’s help

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In James 4:1-2, James asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight.”

James tells us that selfishness often is the cause of so much of the tension and conflict that works its way into our relationships in the form of anger. So how do we deal with our anger?

Do we just throw a fit, rant, rave and fume? Is that the right solution? Not according to Proverbs 29:11: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”

It is a good thing to keep ourselves under control. That is good counsel. But some would have us believe that it is impossible for them to control their anger. I am not convinced.

Most people control their anger pretty well. They seem to know where they can get away with throwing their fits and where they can give full vent to their anger.

They are more than willing to fully express their anger in front of their spouse or children (sometimes in very inappropriate ways), but most of those same people would never throw that same fit in front of their boss or their pastor.

We sometimes act like we are helpless when it comes to our anger, but that is not true. I am not saying that there may not be some more serious root causes in certain instances, but more often than not, the issue with anger is about habits and choices, and the root of the problem is found in our self-centered desires.

We want what we want, and we want it now. We get angry when we don’t get it. Selfishness at its peak.

The good news is that you can get your anger under control with God’s help. The challenge is undoubtedly great when it comes to controlling our anger, but our God is greater.

Your heavenly father wants to be involved in your daily life. When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, his spirit is present in your life.

The spirit of God will provide things like strength, instruction and direction if we will just decide to get tuned in and listen to him. Do you think listening for God’s voice and depending on his strength each day could help you begin to get a handle on your anger issues? More next time …

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].

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