Christian Anger Management

Satan is real. Evil is real. The realities of spiritual warfare dictate that there will be collateral damage. There will be no eternal gains without temporary losses. One weapon which the devil distorts to his use is our own anger. Evil seeks to provoke us. In anger, there is no discretion or discernment, only vulnerability to manipulation. Evil will drive us to "defend" ourselves. James 1:20 " for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." Rage is a "stronghold" of evil. Ephesians 4:26-27 “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."

Ironically, anger is a gift from God, to mobilize strength and energy and to banish fear. It helps us to get things done. How do we deny the thief who would steal our victory? How do we wrest control from a cunning enemy who seeks control? How can we change the focus from reactive to proactive?

Obviously, we must have faith and love first. 1 John 5:4 "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." As I have said before, love is our motivation. (1 Corinthians 13)  A little sidebar here: Love is a two edged sword. The more love, the more hurt. The more hurt, the more anger. Love is not just the feel good, warm fuzzy. Love is subverting our own interests, in favor of another, even if they do not return the favor.

So, because of love, our own soul becomes the battleground. How is it that we can retain clarity, sanity even, in the face of provocation? First, remember that we are not here to advance our own interests, but the will of the Lord.  Romans 12:21 "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Second, He has given us a couple strategies to overcome by. One is to keep our conscience clean with our brother. If we cannot work out our differences, then we must stay away. Love draws the line so a brother cannot condemn himself by abusing us. Two, and most important, we snatch victory from the jaws of defeat by thanking God for the very thing causing challenge. We pronounce a blessing over our spiritual growth, in essence saying, "Thank you, Lord, for this wisdom I am about to receive!" Tell satan to leave by reminding him he has no authority over you. Remind him Who has declared you innocent!