Anger By Any Of Its Names Is Just As Destructive

Anger is one of those crazy emotions that feels justified in the moment but never looks good in the rear view mirror. Regardless of why we’re angry and how we direct that anger, it never quite does what we think it should.

Pushing my buttons.

Ruffling my feathers.

Tripping my trigger.

Seething.

Snarling.

Frustrated.

Growling.

A breakdown.

An explosion.

Whatever name you choose to give anger, these are all hurtful, destructive, biting actions. Very rarely does lashing out do what we want it to do: let people know how we feel and get them to change.

In fact, it’s usually the opposite reaction. Our anger tears apart relationships, destroys joy, dismantles love and drives the peace from our lives. Not a pretty picture, is it?

So if we know this is what anger does, why are we (I’m including myself here, too) prone to angry outbursts?

Lack of self-control.

Selfishness.

Jealousy. 

Fear.

Defeat.

Frustration.

The list goes on and on, and none of them are pretty.

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that take the a city. Proverbs 16:32

Solomon wrote so many generations ago that being even-keel and not giving in to angry outbursts is a characteristic of a strong person. The weak woman will strike first and ask questions later, and I hate to admit that I have been that women lately. There is absolutely no excuse for not containing our emotions, and unfortunately I am seeing the ramifications of my anger not kept under control. I am truly sorry, and I’m seeing it as an opportunity for God to grow me and teach me.

What can we do instead of unleashing the power of anger? 

We can get away from the situation until we’re back in control of our emotions.

We can say a prayer before we speak.

We can find other outlets for that pent-up energy like walking it out.

We can talk to a sister in Christ about what we’re feeling and why.

We can be angry at the sin/problem/trigger without being angry at the person.

The more time we spend with the Lord, the more we develop the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). And that fruit ripens and matures into patience, peace and so many more character traits that diffuse anger. So it’s to our benefit to read our Bible more, study more Scripture, spend more time in prayer and grow our relationships with other people. 

If someone asked you where your boiling point has been lately, what would you say? Which of these ideas  can you implement in your daily life to snuff the flames of anger?