Scripture is a powerful tool for fighting against the evils of this world that overcome us. It offers nothing but truth, wisdom, and knowledge in countless situations. The advice it gives is timeless. Regardless of the situation, there will be a verse to offer help. A problem that many of us face is anger in various situations, but no matter the version, the verse rings true. Here are a few verses to read and remind yourself of when you're feeling angry.
1. Ephesians 4:26
"In your angry do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you're angry.."
It's easy to want to get back at someone after they've done you wrong. When we get angry, it's easy to want to act on that feeling as soon as we feel it. However, acting out or speaking when you're angry can only ensure problems for the future that you'll have to deal with once you've cooled down. It is best to take some time to cool off so you can think rationally before acting out, but make sure you address the issue before a new day comes. Leave the problems of the past and start the day fresh. You don't want to carry problems over.
2. Ephesians 4:27-31
"..and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."
It's okay to get angry or be offended, but do not let the devil get the best of you by acting on this anger. Do not let the anger outlast you. You will only regret if you slander someone else for what they've done to you, for it will cause problems in the future. It also shows that you're willing to stoop to their level. Finally, if you don't get rid of anger, it will remain and transform into bitterness and malice, two things that are even harder to get rid of than anger because they become of a condition of the heart.
3. James 1:19-20
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
If you are slow to speak, you speak more carefully. You will think twice before you talk about someone else. If you are more patient, and slow to become angry, then you will find more peace with yourself and others. You won't get upset about every little thing. In the end, it might even help you to be more compassionate and kind towards others so that you can react to them from a place of love instead of a place of anger.
4. Proverbs 29:11
"Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end."
If someone makes you mad and you react by blowing a gasket, it's foolish because it will not diffuse the situation in any way. However, if you become angry but react with poise and grace, it will more quickly bring an end to a potentially volatile situation. Be wise in your words and you will bring peace to the argument. Be foolish and it will continue.
5. Proverbs 19:11
"A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense."
This verse sort of reiterates the point from above, but it includes an important point. When you overlook an offense, it is more beneficial not only to the person who has wronged you and is hoping to be forgiven, but it's also beneficial for you in that you won't hold a grudge that could turn into pent-up bitterness. Even if a person doesn't ask for forgiveness, sometimes it's best to give it to them anyways for your own well being. Besides, we all have said and done countless things that we can't really say we're proud of, yet we're forgiven time and time again by God.
6. Romans 12:9
"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord."
It is easy to want to get revenge on someone who has really done you wrong, but refrain from that. God stands for you and will repay their debt in full. He will not let you suffer in vain. He will be sure that you will receive justice.
7. Psalm 37:8
"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret -- it leads only to evil."
Anger turns to wrath which turns to bitterness which turns to malice. Malice lives comfortably in the hearts of those who are evil and do wrong. As hard as it can be sometimes, try to refrain from making anger someone you know well. It leads down poor roads.
8. Proverbs 22:24
"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered."
It is true that who you hang around is who you become. If you want to be more positive, you need to hang out with more positive people. If you want to keep yourself from becoming angry all the time, then you need to stay away from people who display anger frequently. If someone is easily ticked off, then you may feel like you have to walk on eggshells around them, or you might start feeling angry that they always get mad at you. You'll start learning from their habits, which is something you really do not want.
9. Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Again this point is reiterated. Kind words will yield kinder responses. Harsh words will yield worse responses. It doesn't get much simpler.
10. Ecclesiastes 7:9
"Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools."
This point is also repeated. If you hold on to anger, you're foolish because you're not just hurting the other person, you're hurting yourself, too. Don't be foolish. Let yourself calm down. It does no one good if everyone is angry and letting it control you.
Remind yourself of these verses each time you're feeling angry. If they mean something else to you or speak to you in a new way, embrace it. Memorize your favorite one to remind yourself when you don't have a Bible with you. Pray about these verses. Remember -- the future is bright, there is so much joy to be had, there is nothing to fear, and try your best not to let anger control you.
