Are you struggling with anger or an anger-related behavior? We have outlined a five-step process to help you change and heal in this area of your life. Take all the time you need with each of the steps below.
Step 1: Adopt a Correct View of God
Almost certainly, a distorted perception of God’s nature lies at the core of your problem with anger. We do not know exactly what that is for you. But quite possibly you are overemphasizing the wrath of God while underemphasizing His faithful love. Consider these key truths about God’s nature.
- God offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternity instead of condemnation.
The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Exodus 34:6)
- God is merciful and expects us to extend His mercy to others.
There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you. (James 2:13)
Search the Scriptures for everything you can find about God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness. Allow what you find out about Him begin to change the way you think about God and about yourself as God’s child.
Step 2: Revise Your False Beliefs
You may be an angry person because you have developed some mistaken ideas about yourself and other people as well as how to get along in life. Do you believe that? Well, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you believe you are justified in your anger?
Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. (Proverbs 19:11)
- Do you believe that your anger is uncontrollable?
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. (Ephesians 4:26)
- Do you believe that anger is a useful tool in life?
People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. (Proverbs 14:29)
Along with those suggested here, there are many more false beliefs that can keep you a slave to anger. Seek clues in Scripture for ways that your ideas have gone off track, contributing to your anger problem. Ask the Holy Spirit to use biblical truth to change your conscious and unconscious beliefs so that you are living in truth and not falsehood. He will do it!