We’ve all seen people do really stupid things because they were angry. Anger can be relationally, emotionally, mentally, and physically costly. It breads mistrust and fear and can cause decades of damage in people’s lives. Many people live in fear and can’t cope with simple challenges.
Proverbs 11:29
The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left.”
How has anger impacted your family? How are the relationships in your life? Is there anyone who has experienced your wrath and is still struggling to move on? How has anger impacted your family, friends, and co-workers? Parents can make their children obey them through fear and intimidation, but the consequence will be broken relationships because the children are afraid to trust a parent who can erupt at any time.
Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
When we lose our temper, everyone around us loses. If the goal is just obedience, anger can control but at what cost? The result of anger is resentment and alienation. The people we love won’t be able to get away from us fast enough or far enough.
Ephesians 4:29-32
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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Hurt people, hurt people. If you refuse to forgive someone, you will find yourself becoming more and more like that person in the area that hurt you. How can you deal with your anger so that it does not cause agony for you or the people around you? (1 Peter 4:8)
