Teaching about Anger

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26(NLT):

21 "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgement.'

22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgement! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

23" So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,

24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

25" When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.

26 And if that happens, you surely won't be free again until you have paid the last penny.

Today, I want to speak to you about anger management. First of all you must know anger progresses into stages or higher levels. If you pay attention to verse 22, you will see the progression and the consequences of each. I want you to pay attention to the phrase "subject to judgement". The word "subject to" as a verb means- to bring under one's control or jurisdiction typically by force.

This means anger can lead you to think and make assessment of things with your own judgement based on how you feel or it can push you to listen to the judgement of others making you walk in their advise, this would bring disaster if their counsel is not wise.

Based on the consequences or the end results of your anger it can lead you to be judged by others in the community or by a legal entity. Negative or bad end results lead to your image tarnished, break relationships or make you loose business.

Verse 23 and 24, let's you know what Jesus says about it. You may ask what if the person doesn't want to reconcile?

The bible teaches us to involve third parties, elders or leaders to intervene for you, if it still doesn't produce fruit, pray to God for forgiveness and about the situation. Then walk away knowing you did your best.

However, don't carry the guilt around, remember God has forgiven you of your sin, so forgive yourself also and be free to live.

I have a few tips I use when it comes to anger:

1. Understand it's okay to be angry or annoyed it's not a sin, however be careful of the words you speak and the actions you take that leads to irreversible damage or sin.

2. Tell yourself if you are angry, if possible let the other person be aware of it, by stating what made you upset in a respectful way. Don't go being the victim and blaming the other person be open to listen to their reasons and resolve amicably. However take caution because not everyone knows how to handle this maturedly, it can back fire and make things worse, so don't apply this without factoring the persons personality.

3. Hold your tongue and don't defend yourself.

4. If you are feeling like exploding, in a polite and respectful way distance yourself from the situation or ask the person to permit you to take a breakbreak to gather your thoughts and assure them you're not leaving the issue unresolved, you can give a timeline so both of you can address it together.

5. If the person is voilent, distance yourself, if you are the voilent one, apply tip number 4. And channel your energy to a productive activity.

6. Identify what leads to the anger, cause it's a buid-up before the final explosion.

7. Seek unbiased wise counsel, not a friend or family member but if you have people in your team or life who can give constructive advice seek them.

8. Most importantly, speak to God about it, He always helps me view things from the other persons perspective. He is the only One who knows their heart and understands their mind.

Dear Lord, please fill our hearts with love for one another and when we are tested give us strength to ensure, strength to stand, strategy for peace and freedom from guilt. Lord remind us that you love us in our weakness. Thank you Lord in Jesus Name Amen.