HOW TO HANDLE ANGER

 HOW WE RESPOND TO ANGER, AND A BETTER WAY TO HANDLE IT…

 1.      We suppress/repress anger:

To suppress anger, we ignore our feelings saying, “I’m not angry!”  This is like putting it into a barrel that will eventually explode. 0r, we are aware of our feelings, and we try and contain ourselves by pushing it under the surface. 

Refusing to accept that we are angry, when we, actually are, is not healthy. John Powell says, “When I repress my emotions my stomach keeps score.”

Dr William Menniger writes: “Sometimes we push each other away and the problem between us festers and festers. Just as in surgery, free and adequate drainage is essential if healing is to take place.”

 2.      We incorrectly express our anger:

Anger is a strong emotion, and it needs to be expressed in some way. Expressing anger with violent passion, yelling, sharp words and high emotions may get results, however, the outcome is not positive.
Concentrating on ‘scoring’ points against someone.
Blaming the other person (as loudly as you can).
Walk out and feel sorry for yourself.

3.      We correctly confess our anger:

Be in touch with your own emotional state. Admit that you are angry before it gets out of control. There is no shame in that, only gain. Anger is a normal human reaction, but it is important how we correctly handle our anger.

 Consider what the actual reason is behind the feeling. Is it something personal that you are struggling with?  Is it a relationship issue? Is it a new issue, or a reoccurring scenario? Does it have its roots in a situational/circumstantial cause? E.g. loss of sleep through worry, a new-born irregular hour, or an unresolved issue of concern?

A good Bible teaching is this; “In your anger do not sin; when you are in your beds, search your hearts and be silent” (Psalm 4:4)

Our anger is a gift, an alert signal, a way to resolve, or prevent, a negative in our lives.