GUARD AGAINST BAD TEMPER AND ANGER

1st JUNE 2023

‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment … first, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:21-24)

Those who get angry or are short-tempered rarely make amends; They usually justify their anger, saying that it’s someone else’s fault that they are angry. 

There are many common triggers of anger, such as losing patience, feeling like your opinion or efforts aren’t appreciated, and injustice. Other causes of anger include memories of traumatic or enraging events, envy, jealousy, and worrying about personal problems.

Anger is a consuming fire, burning down everything in opposition to it. That is why some people explode in the heat of anger, throw punches at others, or destroy valuable possessions. Try to be dispassionate when in any argument. Get wholly detached from the object of your argument, as getting emotionally involved in any discussion will take us farther away from the facts of the issue. The Bible says, It is to a man’s honour to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. (Proverbs 20:3).

Therefore, it’s a fool that quarrels all the time. It is also very unfortunate that some people can hardly relate with others without quarreling. When we are angry or become short-tempered, we experience not too good experience. Short temper and anger prevent other people from helping or working for us. That happens, especially when we wrongly express anger. 

If you think someone has offended you, and therefore you are angry or become temperamental, be silent, take many deep breaths, and breathe out what gets you annoyed. Deep breathing can refresh you and give you a clear mind to think out appropriate responses in the process of argument.  

One surer way to control anger is to be kind, and patient and maintain a certain degree of silence. The Bible says, “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29)

Long-term physical effects of uncontrolled anger include increased anxiety, high blood pressure, headache, loss of earnings or employment, loss of relationships, etc. Most decisions taken in the feat of anger are usually irreversible. Nevertheless, anger can be a positive and helpful emotion if expressed appropriately, especially to help others in trouble or to save another’s life.

PRAYER

Father, grant me a meek and tender heart to endure and be calm in the face of the things that bring anger to my soul. Please give me the patience to tolerate and understand others. AMEN. 

FURTHER READING: Proverbs 14:17; James 1:19; Ephesians 4:30-31)