Anger

Yes, a Christian can experience anger, but the key is how we handle it in light of Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:21-26.

Understanding Anger:

• Anger is a natural human emotion: It’s a normal response to injustice, hurt, or frustration. Even Jesus expressed anger in the Bible (e.g., when he overturned the tables in the temple).
• Anger itself is not sinful: It’s what we do with our anger that can become problematic. Uncontrolled anger can lead to hatred, resentment, and harmful actions, which Jesus warns against.

Jesus’ Teaching on Anger:

• The danger of unchecked anger: Jesus highlights the escalating danger of anger, comparing it to murder in terms of its potential consequences. He warns against harbouring anger in our hearts, using insults, or demeaning others.
• Reconciliation and forgiveness: Jesus emphasises the importance of resolving conflicts quickly and forgiving others. He calls us to a higher standard of love and peacemaking.

Applying Jesus’ Teachings:

• Acknowledge and process anger: It’s important to recognise when we’re feeling angry and to process those emotions in a healthy way. This might involve prayer, journaling, talking to a trusted friend or counsellor, or engaging in physical activity.
• Address conflict promptly: Don’t let anger fester and turn into bitterness. Seek reconciliation with the person you’re angry with, forgive them, and move towards healing.
• Control your words and actions: Avoid insults, name-calling, or any form of verbal or physical abuse. Choose words that are kind, constructive, and respectful.
• Pray for a heart of love and forgiveness: Ask God to help you overcome anger and cultivate a spirit of love, compassion, and forgiveness towards others.

Remember:

Being a Christian doesn’t mean being immune to anger. It means recognising its potential dangers and choosing to handle it in a way that aligns with Jesus’ teachings. By seeking God’s help, we can learn to manage our anger and channel it into constructive action, promoting peace and reconciliation in our relationships.