Anger

 As Christians, we do not respond to people like everyone else does. When people push our buttons, frustrate us, lash out at us, we cannot be easily angered or argue and quarrel back at them. In those times we have to take a breath, calm down, and be at peace. No matter what our human sinful nature wants to do. We have self-control by the Holy Spirit in us, so we can be calm and at peace while someone else is totally enraged at us. 

I know what you are thinking, "Jeff that's not right." Or "I'm not going to stand there and take it." "I'm not going to let people treat me like that." "That's not fair." I get all that. However, what happens when you pour gasoline on a fire? Yep, it ignites the flames even more and makes the fire much worse. Same thing with arguing, fighting, quarreling, lashing out, defending yourself, etc. All these are like that gasoline. All those reactions just make things much worse and does not work the righteousness of God and we are called to respond like Jesus. We represent Jesus in our lives, not ourselves. So, we cannot respond how we would naturally. 

Whether or not people treat us right, we are supposed to rise to a higher standard, and love them no matter what. We are to live at peace with all people and do no harm to anyone. By the Holy Spirit in us, we can do this. 

Look at these passages:

Romans 13:10 NIV

[10] Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.

James 1:19-20 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Love does not....

1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

[5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV

[24] Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, [25] or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 17:14 NIV

[14] Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Ephesians 4:31 NIV

[31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

[32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Proverbs 19:11 NIV

[11] A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

Psalms 37:8 NIV

[8] Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Proverbs 14:29 NIV

[29] Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Proverbs 15:1 NIV

[1] A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV

[9] Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Proverbs 29:11 NIV

[11] Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Proverbs 15:18 NIV

[18] A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

Colossians 3:8 NIV

[8] But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 

Ephesians 4:29 NIV

[29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Proverbs 29:22 NIV

[22] An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.

Romans 12:17-19 NIV

[17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Have mercy and always forgive...

Matthew 18:21-22 NIV

[21] Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” [22] Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Psalms 37:8 NIV

[8] Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

If you have any questions about how to treat people who are angry or out of control, remember this verse...

Romans 12:21 NIV

[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Hope this helps. We belong to Jesus. We represent Jesus. We respond like Jesus. No matter what. 

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post