Because anger is such an intense emotion, we tend to think of it as something that overtakes us in a moment of weakness. The truth is, however, that unless we yield ourselves to anger it is powerless to overwhelm us. In the seventh article of a 10-part series on anger, Dr. Don Dunlap encourages readers to refuse to allow anger to overcome and embitter their lives. In the words of Proverbs 29:8, "A wise man turns away anger."

A city without walls is defenseless and vulnerable to all sorts of evil. So, too, are Christians who have resigned themselves to having an angry spirit. God is displeased with them, and their families and friends dread being near them. Furthermore, Satan makes a mockery of them.

Christians must not allow their emotions to govern them.

Because anger is such an intense emotion, we tend to think of it as something that overtakes us in a moment of weakness. The truth is, however, that unless we yield ourselves to anger it is powerless to overwhelm us.

We face an ever-present temptation to live for ourselves rather than for God. We must, therefore, pray constantly and depend on the Holy Spirit for the grace and power to deal biblically with anger.

We cannot possibly maintain an angry heart and a prayerful heart, simultaneously.

Our thoughts, words and actions reveal our inner thoughts. If we are in the habit of judging other people, we have failed to deal biblically with our anger. God instructs us to “judge not” our brothers and sisters. He is a competent judge, and the only One qualified to weigh the motives and the intents of our heart. When we speak angrily of people who have offended us, we announce publicly that we are living to please ourselves.

The Bible compares strife to rushing water. We should heed God’s advice to abandon a quarrel before it breaks out.

God wants His children to be mediators of peace, not instigators of contention and strife. We read in Proverbs 14:29,

He who is slow to anger has great understanding.

Again, in Proverbs 29:8 we learn, “A wise man turns away anger.” He is, in other words, a wise peacemaker. He has the God-given ability to pacify someone who has a contentious spirit.

The Apostle Paul provides a checklist in Galatians 5:19-21 for Christians who sincerely desire to walk in obedience to God,

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

We ought to make a commitment to God that we will do everything possible to deal with our anger biblically each day, “before the sun goes down on our wrath.”

Dr. Don Dunlap, a pioneer in the placement of Pastoral Counselors in the offices of Christian physicians, has conducted over twenty thousand appointments during his ministerial career. His counseling practice includes adults, children and families in crisis. Dr. Dunlap is committed to facilitating a network of telephone counselors. His goal is to provide help for the many people unable to meet face to face with a competent Bible-based counselor. For a complete library of Dr. Dunlap’s articles, indexed by topic, go to Family Counseling Ministries. You may also make a telephone appointment for personal counseling by clicking on Family Counseling Ministries. Family Counseling Ministries is a Christianity.com ministry Partner.

• Practice Sessions for Anger-Control #6
  Lea how God expects us to respond in the midst of life situations that arouse anger within us.
• Be Quick to Reconcile
  God holds us accountable for every word we speak and He knows our motives behind the things we say.