Is There a Productive Way to Express Anger?

Unresolved anger builds a wall between individuals who might love and care for each other. This wall may be unheeded initially but in time will create a barrier that appears impossible to penetrate. Anger can become layered in when there is no attempt to resolve issues that trigger this emotion.

Each eruption of anger can weaken the bond of trust. This is unfortunate because there’s a healthier way to manage an emotion that’s impossible to avoid. Some believe anger is the most convenient means for controlling situations and people, but this perception ignores the destructive nature of anger.

God’s anger as portrayed in Psalm 30:5 lasts only a moment, which implies anger is unavoidable but can be resolved immediately. Ask yourself, “Is the way I express anger productive or does it drive others away.” With God’s guidance and insight, walls created by anger can be dismantled.                

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Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.

~Ephesians 4:31-32 Contemporary English Version

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Can You Conquer Anger?

Anger is responsible for as much heartache and trouble as is any other emotion. While anger by itself is not a bad emotion, behaviors linked to it become the issue. There are individuals who continuously need to be in control of others and their environment, to the extent of utilizing anger to maintain that control.

Anger becomes destructive when persons possessing it believe they are justified in punishing another person or object. What drives anger is feeling threatened in ways apparent only to those who perceive themselves as vulnerable. So what can prevent anger from becoming reactive and out of control?

Immediately ask yourself, “What am I doing? Does God approve of  what I am compelled to do?” Assess the consequences of what you’re thinking. Listen to Romans 12:21. “Do not let evil get the best of you but conquer evil by doing good.” Pray that God will bless whoever is the object of your anger. 

                      

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But I tell you to … pray for anyone who mistreats you. Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven.

~Matthew 6:44-45 Contemporary English Version

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Strengthening Your Integrity - Part 1

To believe all anger is wrong creates perpetual guilt. While anger may be frustrating, even destructive, normal anger can be healthy and helpful if properly channeled. Healthy expressions of anger take the initiative to correct what is wrong or unfair. Other healthy expressions of anger lead to the pursuit of knowledge and improved communications to clarify misunderstandings.

Our integrity is strengthened when anger is expressed in a non-accusatory way rather than as a means for harming and controlling others. Guilt is accrued when anger is used as a weapon against another person. Guilt will overshadow healthy integrity and eventually lead to despair.

Pursuing resolutions for anger enhances integrity. God calls us to follow his initiative in managing anger. Listen to Exodus 34:12: "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithfulness and love." Choose to shield your integrity with these attributes, for they will prevent guilt from getting a foothold and dominating your life.