Choosing Integrity for the Family and Beyond - Part 1

To feel anger is not a choice, but learning how to manage it constructively is a choice. Where love exists between a husband and wife, parent and child, or a deep friendship, frustration will sooner or later be experienced. Two people in a shared relationship have different views, needs, and desires, so the potential for frustration is certain.

To manage anger productively acknowledge the existence of frustration. Frustration is experienced when your rights are being violated or if your needs and  wants are being denied. If frustration is not dealt with on this basic primary level, then anger takes its place. Anger demands change because your integrity is jeopardized or put at risk.

To better manage your anger, ask, "Why am I angry?" Be honest. Letting unchecked anger fly diminishes integrity, but allowing others to express what they think and need enhances integrity. Jesus would not permit the anger of others to deter him from constructively expressing his own, as substantiated by Mark 3:5. Let Jesus be your help for all of life's problems.