Anger in Today's world

by Jeffrey Gill • May 30, 2023

In today’s fast-paced world, anger seems to be everywhere. It’s on the news, in social media, and in our everyday interactions. The modern world is filled with strife, frustration, and tension, leading many of us to struggle with anger. But how can we navigate this emotion without letting it take control of our lives?

According to scripture, anger itself is not inherently sinful. As Jeffrey Gill discussed in a recent Bible study for Band of Warriors for Christ, it’s about how we manage and act on our anger that defines our actions in the eyes of God. Let's break down some important points from his talk and explore how anger fits into a Biblical framework.

Understanding Anger Through Scripture

The Bible gives clear examples of how to handle anger. In Ephesians 4:26, we are reminded, “Be angry and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” This means it’s natural to feel anger, but what we do with it matters. Are we using anger for righteous reasons or letting it control us? Even Jesus demonstrated righteous anger when he overturned the money changers’ tables in the temple (John 2:13-17). His anger came from seeing His Father’s house misused, and He took action to correct that wrong.

However, the Bible also teaches us to be slow to anger. In Proverbs 15:18, it says, “A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” Anger, when left unchecked, can stir up conflict and lead us into sin. That’s why it’s important to understand the difference between righteous anger and sinful anger.

The Role of Anger in Today’s Society

In today’s society, anger is often linked to feelings of injustice or helplessness. Whether it's arguments at home, frustrations at work, or watching the news, anger can bubble up in many forms. But the challenge is controlling it. As Jeffrey shared, anger can be like a fire that, when uncontrolled, can consume everything in its path.

But anger doesn’t have to rule our lives. The Bible offers us a way out. In Colossians 3:8, we are instructed to “put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” This is a call to work on removing these negative emotions from our lives. It’s a process, one that takes time and effort, but it is possible through prayer, reflection, and faith.

Spiritual and Physical Causes of Anger

Anger can come from many sources, both spiritual and physical. Jeffrey shared his personal experience with weight loss and how it affected his mood and anger levels. His hunger made him short-tempered, but once he adjusted his diet, the anger began to fade. This illustrates how sometimes anger can be influenced by our physical state—our health, diet, and overall well-being.

On the spiritual side, anger can also be a result of holding on to grudges, bitterness, or unaddressed emotional issues. As Ephesians 4:31 says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” By releasing these negative emotions and focusing on forgiveness and kindness, we can reduce anger in our lives.

Finding Peace in a World of Anger

The ultimate goal is to find peace in a world filled with anger. This peace doesn’t come from avoiding anger altogether, but from learning how to manage it in a healthy and God-honoring way. In Romans 12:18, it says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Striving for peace, even when others around us are angry, helps us stay centered and avoid being dragged into unnecessary conflicts.

Jesus offers us peace, not as the world gives, but as only He can. In John 14:27, He says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This peace is available to us all, no matter how much anger we face in our daily lives.

Practical Steps for Managing Anger

1. Acknowledge Your Anger: Recognizing that you are angry is the first step. Don’t deny it, but also don’t let it control you.
2. Pray for Guidance: Bring your anger before God. Ask Him for help in managing it and finding peace.
3. Reflect on Scripture: Verses like Proverbs 15:1 remind us that “a soft answer turns away wrath.” Memorize and meditate on these verses to help guide your responses.
4. Seek Forgiveness: Let go of grudges and past hurts. Forgiving others, as God has forgiven us, is key to reducing anger in our lives.
5. Take Care of Yourself Physically: Sometimes, anger is linked to physical issues. Whether it’s a lack of sleep, poor diet, or stress, addressing your physical needs can help reduce your anger levels.

Anger is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to dominate us. By following the guidance of scripture and seeking peace through Jesus, we can manage our anger and live a life filled with peace and purpose. Remember, it’s not the anger itself that leads us into sin, it’s how we choose to act on it. Let’s strive to control our anger and not let it control us.

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