Anger gives extra weight to our body and mind. It affects our health more adversely. One of the most basic teachings of the Bible is that we can not carry the burden of anger in our lives for a long time.
“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
Do not fret—it leads only to evil.” (Ps. 37:08)
What would happen to us if we were to carry something heavy on our shoulders and we were forced to carry it for several days? It can weaken our body and must affect our health in a bad manner. Hence, Scripture says that if we continue to carry the burden of anger, it will destroy us spiritually and physically. Anger can cause serious harm in our lives. We have to realize that we are the only ones who get more suffering from our anger.
Here are some tips to overcome anger and how to face the feeling of anger without causing any strain to us, both mentally and spiritually.
1. Acknowledge Your Anger
“Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”(Eph.04:26)
At some point in our life, we get angry. The Bible also clears it. That inevitable anger does not lead to sin. We can see anger as a legitimate and God-given tool that serves a specific purpose if we handle it properly. But most of the time we make mistakes when we get angry. The first step of controlling our anger is that we should acknowledge that we are really angry at that time.
We have heard many testimonies of people who are having undiagnosed diseases on their bodies. But realizing that resentment and anger towards those who have harmed them is the real problem and avoiding it, we can see that their illness will be cured. So the first step is to getting rid of every problem is to overcome our anger without keeping it in our minds. We have to wipe out everything and pretend it is not there.
2. Be Prepared to Forgive
The only way to escape from the ager is that we have to be prepared to forgive. It is the best remedy to be free from the fetter of anger.
“I gave you a land on which you had not labored and towns that you had not built, and you live in them; you eat the fruit of vineyards and oliveyards that you did not plant.” (Col. 03:13)
When we try to forgive them, it is not what we feel about them, but our heartfelt commitment to stop doing crimes against them. Think of it as a commitment to our willpower.
3. Practice the Prayer of Patience
After making the decision to forgive, we need to put it into practice. The most effective way to do make an apology; maybe towards the people to whom we are wronged or to God himself.
“While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died. ” (Acts. 07: 59)
When we declare to God our forgiveness for the person who has hurt us, we realize that our commitment is to Him. That is why we make a great covenant of forgiveness with God. Therefore He will give us the great grace to forgive spiritually.
4. Ask God to Control Your Anger
“One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.” (Prov. 16: 32)
We would not be able to control our minds completely without the help of God. We are provided peace by God when we cast all our burdens and emotion through prayer.
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ” (Phil. 04: 6-7 )
5. Do not Think About Continuing to be Angry
Excessive Thinking about people or incidents makes us more conscious about being in anger.
“And every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Cor. 10: 05)
“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil. 04: 08)
Count the blessings you have received. Understand what God has done for us. This is the best way to expel negative thoughts by filling positive and happy thoughts.
Do not think about bananas! What is on your mind now? Probably a beautiful yellow banana. The more you tell yourself to stop thinking about bananas, the same image will stick in your mind.
Have you ever been in a car accident? Think of your helplessness when a truck losses control and come to the front of your vehicle. What are you thinking now? Probably not about the bananas. When the attention of the accident took the place of your heart, your mind totally abandoned the thought of a banana. So, this is the secret of controlling your thoughts. When you realize that your mind is falling into the same path of anger and bitterness, you can deliberately invite your life. Write down a list of blessings. Also, read the Scriptures.
” Giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 01: 12-14)
Sunisha V.F.