What Are the Long-term Effects of Submitting to Anger?

Submitting to anger can generate damaging consequences for the one possessing it as well as the one to whom it is directed. I recently witnessed a man intent on changing lanes in heavy freeway traffic. The driver next to him refused to yield, resulting in the impatient one yelling obscenities punctuated by threatening gestures. 

Why submit to anger, which in this case instantly evolved into rage? Would the images imprinted in these people’s minds and emotions remain there indefinitely? Adrenaline that flooded the bloodstream of both drivers would make it impossible to forget the madness of what occurred.

What other options were available? 

Simply exhibiting patience gives compassion, even empathy, a chance to subdue frustration and anger. Patience creates empathy, which in turn prevents anger and rage from gaining control. Remember, patience is a gift of the Holy Spirit that God provides to those who earnestly seek it. 

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Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.  

~Ephesians 4:2-3 New Living Translation

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To Avoid Heated Conflict, Keep Words Cool

Even in the closest relationships, disagreements are impossible to avoid – and even when people are of similar temperament and personality. Some individuals keep their opinions to themselves to avoid conflict and keep peace. Yet most people feel compelled to refute what they do not agree with by arguing or by presenting evidence to the contrary.

Because disagreements are normal, healthy families and couples usually agree upon some basic rules for communicating under difficult conditions. One helpful rule is to maintain personal integrity by refusing to digress into inappropriate language and shouting matches.

Patience is a fruit of the Spirit and necessary for preserving personal integrity in the search for solutions to conflicts. Defending integrity is vital to effective communication. Listen to Proverbs 11:3: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Permit the presence of the Lord God to be your guide.  

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Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

~Proverbs 17:27 English Standard Version

 

It’s a mark of good character to avoid quarrels; but fools love to pick fights.

~Proverbs 20:3 The Message

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