Some sins feel like they stick around for decades. This is especially true for those who deal with a quick temper and outbursts of anger. You see one or both parents struggle with it, you struggle with it, and it seems like a family trait you just have to endure for the rest of your life. Unfortunately the progress seems so slow in fighting it that you face the temptation to give up and say it’s just the way you are. Instead of learning how to control your anger and deal with it, it's a lost easier to ignore it after the fact.
An uncontrolled temper can do untold damage to yourself and the people around you. When we you lose your temper and cannot manage your anger, you say harsh things and act in irresponsible ways. In Proverbs Solomon speaks often about chaos you cause when you fly off the handle.
- “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.” Proverbs 11:17
- “A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.” Proverbs 14:17
- “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” Proverbs 14:29
- “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
- “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” Proverbs 15:18
- “It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.” Proverbs 20:3
Because the Scriptures speak of anger as a sin which causes harm to the people around you, those who wrestle with a quick temper and struggling with controling anger cannot write it off as something they cannot control. Instead you must learn how to control ourselves and put your hot tempers to death.
What can you do to grow in controlling your temper and making progress in self-control? Here are 7 ways to learn how to control your anger:
Step 1: Repent and Seek Grace
The Scriptures demonstrate with great clarity the sinful foolishness of temper tantrums and losing your cool. Therefore, you must repent when you sin through outbursts of anger. Confess your sin and foolishness to the Lord, asking him to forgive you through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then you must walk in repentance, running from anger and fighting against it with all your Spirit-empowered might.
Using the vocabulary of sin and repentance is necessary when dealing with anger. When we treat you anger as a sin and not just a personality quirk, you begin to take our responsibility to act seriously.
Step 2: Read the Proverbs
When you think pet sins have been licked is when they come back at you full bore. This is why constant immersion in the Scriptures, and particularly the book of Proverbs is essential. Solomon spoke often to his son about the foolishness of losing his temper, so reading one chapter of Proverbs everyday will serve as a constant reminder of the folly of our anger and the wisdom of learning self-control.
Step 3: Pray
Anything God calls Christians to do he will empower us to do through his Spirit. You don’t need to only confess your anger, but to ask the Lord to empower you to exercise self-control and flee the sin of anger. He comes to our aid when we are tempted, so look to him for the help he gives.
Also, when you pray and the Lord delivers you, you know we cannot give credit to the strength of your own will. Prayer acknowledges your need God’s help and when he comes to your aid you know to give him the glory for your deliverance.
Step 4: Think
In order to fight anger you need to have a better understanding of the workings of your own heart. What is going on mentally before blowing a gasket? Is there a recited laundry list of grievances you are going through or is there a constant irritant which causes the pressure to build up? Know these things, and have a strategy for dealing with them when they come up. When the situation arises and the anger begins to boil, pray and walk away.
Step 5: Exercise
If losing temper tantrums often comes as a result of stress, then there are practical steps we can take to address this. If stress mounts up it will blow in one way or another, and anger is a terrible way to blow off stress. Take some time to exercise everyday as a way to work off stress in an acceptable manner. Also over time this will help you feel better in general and goes a long way towards helping to fight off anger.
Step 6: Sleep
How often do you blow your top and blame it on being tired? The fix for this problem is simple- you need more sleep. You might retort you struggle to sleep, but a fight can be waged against this problem as well. Cut out caffeine after 4:00PM, turn off screens 30 minutes before bed, and exercise during the day so you are more tired at night. Getting plenty of sleep gives you greater self-control.
Step 7: Get Accountability
I hesitate to mention accountability because it can so often be misused or become a crutch. You must understand first of all that you are accountable to God for your attitudes, thoughts, words, and deeds. After understanding your accountability before God, it is good to seek out other Christians to help in the journey. They can ask pointed questions, correct you when necessary, and encourage you to continue on in the good fight.
What are some other steps you can take in the battle with your anger? Share with us below in the comments section some helpful ways you manage your anger and take a step back.
This article was originally published on ScottSlayton.net. Used with permission.
Scott Slayton serves as Lead Pastor at Chelsea Village Baptist Church in Chelsea, AL and writes at his personal blog One Degree to Another: scottslayton.net. He and Beth have been married since 2003 and have four children. You can follow him on Twitter:@scottslayton.
Publication date: June 8, 2016