Everybody’s mad! 5 scriptures to help you keep your anger in check in an overly triggered society
Article By Alexis Leonard // EEW Magazine Spiritual
It seems almost as if everybody’s mad, outraged, triggered, or up-in-arms about something these days. We quarrel incessantly over political views, theological perspectives, social issues and personal preferences. When does the quarreling, anger and rage cease?
As believers, we know that anger, which is a negative emotion which comes from feeling hurt or mistreated by someone, does not serve the purposes of God. So how can we control our anger in a society that is mad about just about everything?
The next time a controversy arises and triggers your anger privately or publicly, before you give in, here are 5 excellent passages of scripture to help you get your emotions in check. After all, anger is not a fruit of the spirit.
Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV “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.”
This scripture acknowledges that all human beings feel angry at times. It also instructs us to get over that anger quickly. Clearly, anger is a choice. You control it. Not the other way around.
James 1:19-20 NIV “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This verse, if applied, will help you avoid lots of disagreements and offenses. Be a better listener and hush sometimes. Otherwise, you’ll be consistently mad and spewing venom, which does not bring glory to God.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Nowadays, doesn’t it seem like we live in a cultural climate where folks get provoked and go off in ten seconds or less? Don’t be one of those people to snap. The Bible calls those that dwell in a perpetual state of anger, “fools.”
Proverbs 14:29 NIV “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
What is the antidote for anger? Patience. If you’re quick to explode, read and quote this verse often! If you want to stay out of mess and avoid fights, be patient, open-minded, willing to listen and mindful that nothing is accomplished through rage.
Proverbs 16:32 ESV “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
It takes discipline not to be angry all the time. And the Bible commends the person who rules their spirit, making it know that they are better than a mighty warrior that can subdue a whole entire city. If you are physically capable of fighting, but are too mentally weak to rule your own spirit, that’s no good. Keep your anger in check.
At a critical time like this, the world needs powerful and positive examples of believers exhibiting strength, and displaying the fruit of the spirit. Be a light. Be an example of discipline and self-control, so you can help build the Kingdom, and keep your life on the right track.