Anger is aroused by perceived injustice (whether the
perception is in fact true or not). Anger itself is not necessarily a bad
thing. It is an alarm that something needs to change, and that can in fact be a
good thing. However, how we respond to the alarm can be healthy or unhealthy.
The general way in which an
individual handles anger is a learned and habitualized pattern. It is a learned
behavior, and, as with most behaviors, we learn through observation.
Unfortunately for many, those closest to us did not model healthy behavior in
relation to handling anger.
The sudden physiological rush
initially produced when anger strikes, is very brief. Perpetuating that excited
state is largely a choice. Yet, our habituation (knee-jerk-reaction) to the
“anger shock” has become so ingrained in us adolescence and adulthood that it
seems to us that there is no choice to be made.
Proverbs 29:8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn
away wrath. 9 If a wise man contends with a fool, whether the fool rages or
laughs, there is no peace. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the
upright seek his well-being. 11 A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man
holds them back.
What would happen to
anything in the path if this were anger being vented: 
Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry and do not sin”: do not let the sun
go down upon your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.
So, how do we proceed to
accomplish the calling of God in Ephesians 4:26&27?
1.
Recognize your habituation to “anger shock.” Is
it:
a.
Healthy
b.
Explosive-aggressive
c.
Passive-aggressive
d.
Suppressive—(stuffing)—which becomes personally
oppressive
2.
Slow down
3.
Honestly scrutinize and evaluate:
a.
What needs to change?
i.
Is it a change in the physical environment?
ii.
Is it your perspective and the attitude it
elicits?
iii.
Is it, in fact, the other person’s false
perspective and the attitude it elicits?
iv.
What other questions may factor into the
evaluation of what needs to change?
b.
Can you effectively initiate the change that is
necessary?
c.
What is the best way to initiate that change?
Can you briefly explain an
actual instance when you used your own process slowing down, making an honest
evaluation, and taking healthy action effectively?
James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be
swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does
not produce the righteousness of God.
Unhealthy
response to anger uses up strength, but it does not produce health.
Ephesians 4:20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if
indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in
Jesus; 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which
grows corrupt according to deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of
your mind, 23 and that you put on the new man which was created according to
God, in true righteousness and holiness
Working with God to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind” takes effort, which also
uses strength, yet this use of strength with God is progress in God-given
purpose; increasing health and building greater strength.
