Clicky

The Spirit of Anger in the Bible – Viral Believer
Skip to content

The Spirit of Anger in the Bible

Introduction

Anger is a natural human emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. However, when left uncontrolled, anger can become a destructive force that damages our relationships, our health, and our spiritual well-being.

As Christians, we are called to love one another, show compassion, and be patient. Yet, we still struggle with the spirit of anger from time to time.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about the spirit of anger and how we can overcome it. We will examine the effects of anger on our lives, the practical guidance provided by the Bible on how to control it, and the steps we can take to overcome the spirit of anger.

Through this discussion, we hope to provide you with insights and tools that can help you manage your emotions in a way that honors God.

If you are struggling with the spirit of anger or want to learn more about how to control your emotions, this blog post is for you.

Whether you are a seasoned Christian or a new believer, there is always more to learn about the Word of God and how it can guide us in our daily lives. So, let us dive into this topic and discover how we can overcome the spirit of anger and become more like Christ.

anger in the Bible

What is the Spirit of Anger?

The spirit of anger is a state of mind that is marked by strong feelings of displeasure, frustration, or hostility. It is a natural response to certain situations, but it can also be a destructive force if not properly managed. The Bible warns us about the dangers of anger and provides guidance on how to control it.

In the Bible, we see many examples of people who struggled with the spirit of anger. Cain, for example, became angry with his brother Abel and killed him (Genesis 4:8).

Moses became angry with the Israelites and struck the rock instead of speaking to it, which resulted in him not being able to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:10-12). King Saul allowed his anger to consume him and ultimately led to his downfall (1 Samuel 18-19).

The Effects of Anger

Anger can have serious effects on our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. When we are consumed by anger, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, anxiety, and other health problems. It can also damage our relationships with others, cause us to say or do things we regret, and lead us to sin.

Proverbs 29:22 says, “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.” This verse reminds us that anger can lead to sin and cause strife and division among people. It is important to recognize the negative effects of anger and take steps to control it.

What Does the Bible Say About the Spirit of Anger?

The Bible provides us with guidance on how to control our anger and respond in a way that honors God.

Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” In other words, it’s okay to be angry, but we should not let it consume us or lead us to sin. Instead, we should deal with our anger in a timely manner and not let it fester.

Proverbs 14:29 states, “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.”

This verse reminds us that it’s important to take a step back and think before we act on our anger. We should not act impulsively or allow our anger to control us. Instead, we should seek wisdom and understanding before making any decisions.

James 1:19-20 says, “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.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of listening and being slow to anger. We should not be quick to react in anger, but instead, we should seek to understand the situation and respond with love and compassion.

Overcoming the Spirit of Anger

While it’s natural to feel angry at times, we must learn to control our emotions and not let anger consume us. Here are some practical steps we can take to overcome the spirit of anger:

1. Acknowledge Your Anger

The first step to overcoming the spirit of anger is to acknowledge that you are angry. This may sound simple, but many people try to suppress their anger, which only leads to more problems down the road.

Instead, take a deep breath and acknowledge your emotions. Recognize that anger is a normal human emotion and that it’s okay to feel angry.

2. Take a Break

When you feel yourself becoming angry, take a break from the situation. Remove yourself from the source of your anger and take a few deep breaths. This will help you calm down and think more clearly about the situation. You can also use this time to pray and ask God to help you control your emotions.

3. Pray

Prayer is a powerful tool for overcoming the spirit of anger. When you feel yourself becoming angry, take a few moments to pray. Ask God to help you control your emotions and respond with love and compassion.

Pray for the person or situation that is causing you to feel angry. Ask God to give you wisdom and understanding, and to help you respond in a way that honors Him.

4. Seek Wise Counsel

If you find yourself struggling with the spirit of anger on a regular basis, seek wise counsel from a trusted friend or mentor. Talk to them about your struggles and ask for their advice and guidance.

Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors, they are established.” Seeking wise counsel can help you gain a new perspective on the situation and provide you with practical advice for overcoming the spirit of anger.

5. Practice Forgiveness

One of the most powerful ways to overcome the spirit of anger is to practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for our own spiritual health and well-being.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” When we forgive others, we release the burden of anger and bitterness from our own hearts.

6. Focus on Love and Compassion

Finally, we can overcome the spirit of anger by focusing on love and compassion. Jesus commanded us to love one another as He has loved us (John 15:12). When we focus on love and compassion, we are less likely to become angry or resentful towards others.

We can also ask God to fill us with His love and to help us see others through His eyes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the spirit of anger is a powerful emotion that can have serious effects on our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. However, the Bible provides us with practical guidance on how to control our anger and respond in a way that honors God.

We can acknowledge our anger, take a break, pray, seek wise counsel, practice forgiveness, and focus on love and compassion. As we strive to control our emotions and respond with love and compassion, we can become a shining example of Christ’s love to those around us.

Remember, overcoming the spirit of anger is not easy, but it is possible with God’s help. As we seek to control our emotions and respond in a way that honors God, we can experience greater peace, joy, and fulfillment in our lives.

Let us pray for God’s guidance and strength as we strive to overcome the spirit of anger and become more like Christ.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.