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.  

Managing Anger with Integrity - Part 3

Understanding the purpose of anger in everyday life and relationships is critical to sustaining a healthy integrity. The American Heritage Dictionary defines anger as a feeling of extreme displeasure, hostility, indignation, or exasperation toward someone or something. This could include feeling anguished, troubled, or distressed. David Mace said, "Anger is feeling displeasure toward a person or object with a desire to remove the cause."

Anger turned inward creates depression. However, anger can be healthy and helpful when used to correct a bad situation while concurrently saving your integrity from guilt and shame. Counseling can help anyone manage anger in an open, honest way without damaging relationships and integrity.

Mark 3:5 portrays Jesus expressing anger while taking positive actions to correct a situation which included healing a man's shriveled hand. Managing anger for healthy constructive good is choosing to change in ways that please and honor God.