Getting a Handle on Anger During Difficult Times

Anger gets a bad rap. Many people consider it be destructive and bad. All of the time.

But anger can actually be good for us in many ways. It’s a God-given emotion that motivates us to right wrongs and to solve problems. Nathan the prophet was indignant when he confronted King David about committing infidelity and killing Bathsheba’s husband. Jesus was angry when he overturned tables in the temple. Anger can empower us to pursue a better career, to end a bad relationship, or to make positive changes.

Anger becomes trouble when we allow it to drive us into unhealthy behavior, or when we fail to recognize that it’s masking underlying emotions, such as:

Fear.
Powerlessness.
Disrespect.
Offensive Behavior.

Anger is such a powerful emotion that it is addressed throughout the Bible. James 1:19 reminds us to “be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

According to Scripture, anger itself isn’t the problem. It’s how we manage it.

Popular guest and author Deborah Pegues is with us on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Getting a Handle on Anger During Difficult Times” to share biblical wisdom for keeping your anger in check. She also describes one good – and two not-so-good – ways of handling anger:

Assertiveness: stating your feelings, expectations, boundaries, desires, or opinions openly, in a tactful and respectful manner.
Passivity: becoming silent, gossiping, spreading nasty rumors about the offender, sarcasm, withholding, or seeking comfort from outside sources.
Aggression: intending to hurt the other person physically or emotionally through put-downs, yelling, threatening, or any form of violence.

Join us for my conversation with Deborah Pegues on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

Before I close, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Deborah Pegues book 30 Days to Taming Your Anger: How to Find Peace When Irritated, Frustrated, or Infuriated as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, visit our website or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).