Why Are We Angry?

"Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs."
Proverbs 19:11 NLT
What causes anger? In reality, the answer could be "nothing." We might think tha
t a rude driver or unfair criticism or a friend's betrayal angers us, but the an
ger is actually our own doing. It is our response that creates the anger.
Many factors can stimulate anger. Behavior we learned in childhood, a stressful
work environment, poor health or medicines we take can cause our temper to flare
more easily … but only if we allow them to.
Consider this…
When someone insults us or treats us badly, we can choose how to respond. If we
have feelings of anger, we can choose how to express that anger. God has given u
s free will to control our feelings, thoughts and actions. Will we choose unkind
words or finding a way to "get even" … or will we overlook and forgive? It's ou
r choice. No matter what our background or the current circumstances, we are res
ponsible for our own behavior.
None of us express our feelings appropriately all the time. But the Bible tells
us, "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I
need." (Philippians 4:13 NLT) Jesus can help us make anger our servant instead
of our master.
Prayer
Father, when I am wronged in some way, help me to choose the right response … th
e one that is pleasing to you. Teach me to overlook and forgive. In Jesus' name
…