• Everyone gets angry at times
• Usually because of hurt pride, frustration, jealousy
• Sometimes anger is the right reaction to wrong
• Jesus was angry enough about injustice to cause a riot in the temple (Matthew 21v12-13)
• Jesus was angered by people who wouldn’t help those in need (Mark 3v4-5)

Jesus' teaching about Anger

Matthew 5v21-26 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, `Raca, ' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, `You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny."

• Anger is akin to murder
  • We are rarely righteously angry, as we should be
  • Injustice and wrong should make us angry, but we usually get angry because we've been hurt
• Cursing others is sinful
  • Anger leads us to say things we should regret
• Refusing to be reconciled is wrong
  • We can't be right with God if we're wrong with other people
• It is wise to sort out differences quickly
  • Before time makes us bitter, put things right

Other bible teaching about anger

• Ephesians 4v26-27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
• Ephesians 4v31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
• Proverbs 29v11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
• James 1v19-20 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to give you self-control so you do not give vent to anger in the heat of the moment
• Pray to God about whatever makes you feel angry
• See what the bible teaches about the situation, to see if anger is justified or not
• Turn righteous anger into action to right wrong
• Don't nurse anger, but ask forgiveness of anyone you feel angry about, and talk to them about it, asking God to help you to forgive
  • Colossians 3v13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
• Pray for love to overcome anger
  • 1 Corinthians 13v5 love is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs