Step 5: Flee Temptation
Many of us find that our anger has certain triggers. Walking through a minefield, you have a much better chance of survival if you know where the danger is and learn to avoid it.
- Focus on your relationship with God.
Cultivate your relationship with God through the spiritual disciplines of prayer and meditation. Learn to hear God’s voice so that His whisper of peace will sound louder in your ears than the cry of temptation to lash out in anger.
- Latch on to God’s promises.
Search Scripture for verses and stories that emphasize the danger of anger and the value of forgiveness. Memorize Scriptures that can help you in times of temptation. One relevant scriptural passage is the parable of the unforgiving servant. Read it in Matthew 18:21–35.
- Establish safeguards.
Take specific steps to avoid whatever triggers your anger. Consider these examples:
– If you want to get revenge against somebody, do something good for that person in secret.
– If you have a tongue that is quick with a harsh retort, learn to quickly ask the Holy Spirit for help before saying anything in a potentially explosive situation.
– Ask a trusted Christian friend to hold you accountable in your commitment to not get angry.
- Expect victory.
As a believer, you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He will help you put a clamp on your anger before it can do any damage. Believe that you can go from being an angry person to being a person of forgiveness.
