Anger Management
Anger is an emotion that must be mastered if we are to live godly and productive lives.
In this seminar we discuss the three kinds of anger and apply godly principles to each one. We learn the proper limits of anger using the “anger graph”, and discuss the most effective means of controlling this powerful emotion.
Find the PDF worksheet here: Anger Management
1. Is anger a sin?
- God has anger and yet He is righteous. Psalms 7:11
- Anger is a God-given emotion and therefore is good.
- The Bible tells us, “Be angry and yet do not sin.”
- What purpose does anger serve?
- It can empower us to do good.
- It is our conflict button.
2. Three kinds of conflict/Three kinds of anger
Conflict
- Goals
- Justice
- Ownership
Anger
- Frustration
- Indignation
- Jealousy
Wisdom Needed: Reassess goals and prioritize godly goals
Grace needed: Patience and perseverance
Wisdom needed: Learn moral boundaries
Grace needed: Forgiveness: a legally binding transaction where one surrenders the right to collect on a debt. It is giving up the right to get revenge.
Jealousy defined:
- A name of God (Exodus 34:14)
- The anger that guards what is mine to love and possess
- Necessary for a healthy love
- When carried to excess becomes envy and coveting
Wisdom needed: Learn love and ownership boundaries
Grace needed:
3. What are the godly limits of anger?
A) Be angry and yet do not sin.
Do not let the sun go down on your anger. Ephesians 4:26
B) Three expressions of Rage
- Raging Actions
- Raging words: critical, complaining, and cursing
- Raging thoughts
- Bitterness (Hebrews 12:15)
- Old anger
- Always a sin
- Characterized by distaste for life, resentment, hard-heartedness,
- hatred, and lack of tolerance.
4. Three Beliefs Regarding Emotional Control
A) No Control. Others are responsible for my emotions.
B) Natural control. I control myself.
C) Spiritual control. God controlling me.
Means of Suppression
A) Mind control
B) Hiding one emotion under another.
C) Anesthetizing
5. The Principle of Empowerment
Let all anger ….be put away from you. Ephesians 4:31 (NASB)
‘Let’…my responsibility
‘Be put away’…God’s responsibility
6. The Principle of Dedication
Spiritual self control requires an on-going submission of my emotions to God.
“Offer yourselves to God and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness…For sin shall not be master.” (Romans 6:13-14)
7. The Principle of Persistence
Every time I feel the anger I need to pray.
A typical prayer is: “Lord, take my anger and give me peace.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 17)
