What are some biblical tips to dealing with personal anger?

The first step for dealing with any bad habit or sin is to acknowledge it. When you admit to yourself and to God that you have a problem with anger, you’ve taken a big step. Being honest with God is necessary if you’re going to deal with this issue.

Some people don’t see their anger as a problem. While everyone, at some time or another, gets upset, this emotion can lead to some serious consequences. Paul writes, “ ‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26, 27). If we do not handle our anger properly, it gives Satan a foothold into our lives.

You might even feel that you have a right to be angry, but if it continues to live in your heart, it will eventually destroy you. “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19, 20). Jesus also warned, “I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:22).

Ask yourself, “Why am I angry?” You might be allowing other people to control you and need to draw boundaries with them. It might be that you’ve genuinely been hurt and need to work something through. But as you deal with your anger, don’t let your emotions completely take control of your thinking. “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32).

Turn your anger over to God in prayer (Proverbs 15:1). Forgive people who have wounded you (Ephesians 4:32). Ask God to forgive you for being angry (1 John 1:9). And don’t let it grow into a root of bitterness that will defile you and others around you (Hebrews 12:15).

Key Bible Texts

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:13 KJV)