The internet and books are full of coping mechanisms for dealing with anger. It’s good to identify anger triggers and build strategies for moments when difficult emotions surge within us. However, the really good news is that, in His love, God doesn’t want us to just cope with these rushes of angry feelings. God wants us to be free from them. God’s desire is that we get rid of the well of pain and unforgiveness in our soul which erupts in angry feelings at the slightest perceived offence in word or action of another person.
God says: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
God’s plan for dealing with anger is to come to Him for forgiveness and healing.
So, with God’s will in mind, how does a person deal with their anger? Here is a trusted and sure way to clear one’s soul.
1. Make a list of everyone who has wronged you. Make the list as thoroughly as you can.
2. One by one bring these individuals to Jesus who died on the cross for their sin – their sin against you.
3. Ask Jesus to work in you so you can forgive them the wrong they did to you.
4. Choose to forgive them completely.
5. Choose to let go of any need to hold a grudge or get revenge. 6. Ask Jesus to forgive them and heal them.
7. Ask Jesus to pour His healing into your soul so your own pain is removed. As you receive healing you won’t stand vulnerable to the person who caused you pain or fear the same treatment from another person.
8. Ask Jesus to root out of you any lingering desire for revenge and any record of wrong that you might want to hold against the person.
The Bible says, “If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry – get over it quickly; for when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil … And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Ephesians 4:26, Mark 11:25)
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