“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."  Ephesians 4:26

Has your anger ever embarrassed you?  Something ticks you off and before you know it, you're blowing up, unable to bridle your response.  My anger has gotten the best of me at times, but the interesting thing about my anger is this: my responses made me angrier than what had originally angered me.

Whatever had set me off paled in comparison with the utter embarrassment at my lack of control.  Whoever had pushed me towards the edge received the initial blow of my anger, but I would spend hours beating myself up about it afterwards. 

Anger is a volatile emotion.  It is impulsive and damaging, both to the person it is aimed at as well as the person who is “letting it fly”. 

But anger is a regular part of life.

Did you know God recognizes that certain things in life will make you angry?  Actually, the Bible never chastises the emotion of anger…  but it does command us to control our responses.

So what will you do with your anger?  How will you respond?

First, let me encourage you to try to understand what makes you angry.  If you can take inventory of what sets you off, you might see it coming earlier and be able to make wise choices when trying to direct its venom.  Also, when are you most likely to become aggressively angry?  For me, it is when I am tired or not feeling good.  By realizing that I am more susceptible to emotional outbursts when exhausted, I can sometimes feel the blood boiling before the eruption happens.

Secondly, when it comes to anger, try not to respond immediately.  I know you have heard the “count to 10” philosophy, and although it seems childish, it usually helps.  Rather than reacting right away, taking deep breaths and distancing yourself from the immediate need to retaliate offers perspective.  At the very least, it allows for control.

Lastly, if you struggle with anger, you need to be quick to apologize.  We have all hurt other people, but pride will keep an angry person from taking responsibility for their part in the exchange.  If and when you lose your cool, be quick to approach the people who saw you, and ask them to forgive you.  It's never easy (hasn’t gotten easier even as I have gotten older…  it always stinks when I have to admit I was wrong,) but it is what God expects.  Be the bigger person.  Even if they hurt you, don’t berate them or wait for them to apologize to you.  Tell them that you were wrong in your response and ask them to forgive you.

Anger can be dangerous emotion both to you and to those around you.  Over the course of time, you will get a handle on it, but only as you confront it head on.

Do you have a thought on controlling your anger that you would like to share? Do you have a question about taking inventory of triggers that you would like to see addressed in this weekly email?  If so, send your thoughts and/or questions to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .