Turn Away From Anger

Turn Away from Anger

Study Text: Ephesians 4:26–27

Introduction:

- Anger is one of the most common emotions in human life.

- Everyone has felt it, but the Bible warns us that uncontrolled anger leads to destruction, broken relationships, and sin.

- God calls us to turn away from anger, not by denying our emotions, but by submitting them to His Spirit.

- We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:

1. The Cause of Anger

2. The Cost of Anger

3. The Cure for Anger

1. The Cause of Anger

- Anger is a strong emotional response to hurt, frustration, or injustice.

- Anger is a natural emotion, but if left unchecked, it can destroy lives, relationships, and destinies.

- Often triggered by provocation, pride, or pain.

James 4:1 – Conflicts arise from desires warring within us.

- Anger may come naturally, but handling it wisely is supernatural. With Christ in us, we can turn away from anger and walk in peace.

- Not all anger is sin: Jesus was angry at hypocrisy and injustice (Mark 3:5).

- But sinful anger is selfish, destructive, and uncontrolled.

- James 1:19–20 – “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.”

- Anger is like fire: under control, it can give warmth and light; out of control, it burns everything down.

2. The Cost of Anger

- Even though anger may start small, it can grow into a storm if unchecked.

- Like a matchstick, a small spark of offense can ignite a destructive fire.

- The dangers of anger can be seen in different categories:

1. Spiritual danger:

- It gives the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27).

2. Relational danger:

- It destroys marriages, friendships, and families (Proverbs 15:18).

3. Physical danger:

- Uncontrolled anger leads to stress, sickness, even violence.

4. Eternal danger:

- Angry, unforgiving hearts cannot inherit God’s kingdom (Matthew 5:22).

- Moses lost entry into the Promised Land because of anger at the people (Numbers 20:10–12).

3. The Cure for Anger

- While it may be difficult to prevent anger, but it can be managed and put under control.

1. Control your tongue

- Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath.”

2. Yield to the Holy Spirit

- Galatians 5:22–23: Self-control is fruit of the Spirit.

3. Choose forgiveness

- Colossians 3:13: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

4. Pray instead of reacting

- Philippians 4:6–7: Prayer brings peace, not rage.

5. Practice love

- 1 Corinthians 13:5: Love is not easily angered.

- The following practical steps will help in managing anger:

A – Avoid Triggers

- Don’t put yourself in situations or conversations that fuel wrath.

- Proverbs 22:24 – “Make no friendship with an angry man.”

N – Notice the Warning Signs

- Recognize when your heart is heating up.

- James 1:19 – Be *“swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

G – Give It to God

- Release your frustrations to Him in prayer.

- Philippians 4:6 – Pray instead of reacting.

E – Exercise Self-Control

- Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).

- Proverbs 16:32 – “He who rules his spirit is better than he who takes a city.”

R – Replace Wrath with Love

- Choose forgiveness and peace.

- Colossians 3:13 – “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Conclusion:

- Anger will either control you, or you will control it through Christ.

- To turn away from anger, we must let Christ rule our hearts, because only the Prince of Peace can give us true peace within.

- Have you allowed anger to control your words, decisions, or relationships?

- Today, ask God for His Spirit to give you self-control.

- Choose peace, choose forgiveness, choose Christ.