Angry Saints-Anger Management and the Church

       After reading Paul's letter to the original Christian churches a new Christian might easily believe Paul communicated to rank sinners. When in fact warnings to flee fornication, abstain from adultery and live outside of malicious attitudes were directed to regenerated believers in Christ. Paul's confronting messages are still relevant today.

       Ephesians 4:17-31 is a passionate plea to the church to live right. Paul gives equal value to the sins of lust, greed, cheating, witchcraft and uncontrolled anger.

       As an anger management teacher I never tell my clients to stop being angry. It is an impossible task. Anger is a normal human emotion that must be managed. Paul confirms this in Ephesians 4:26 when he says "Be angry and sin not; let not the sun go down on your wrath.
 

Paul's description of anger is detailed and complete. A close evaluation of Ephesians 4:31 and Galatians 5:20-21 paints a vivid picture of how anger manifests in the local church today.

Bitterness- Characterized by intense antagonism or hostility

Wrath- Strong, stern, or fierce anger; deeply resentful indignation;

Clamor- A loud uproar, as from a crowd of people, any loud and continued noise

Malice- Desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile Impulse, or deep-seated meanness

Discord-Lack of concord or harmony between persons or things; strife; dispute; war

Dissension- Strong disagreement; a contention or quarrel; discord.

Rage- Angry fury; violent anger

Faction- A group of persons forming a cohesive, usually contentious minority within a larger group

Envy- a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions

Jealousy- Jealous resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another's success or advantage itself.

Hatred- intense dislike or extreme aversion or hostility.

According to Ephesians 4:18 the sin of anger alienates us from God. The Bible's view of anger management is quite simple. Stop saying hurtful and angry things. Ephesians 4:22 encourages us to put off concerning the former conversation, verse 29 commands us to let no corrupt communication proceed out of out mouth.

In my experience I've seen many cursing, spitting, screaming aggressive communicators applaud themselves for learning to hold their tongue. They beam with achievement because they have mastered the art of silence. In many ways passive communication is the worst way to manage your anger. It is not God's intent for you to hold your peace. As a matter of fact he wants you to release it. The Bible encourages us to edify one another. We are told to be kindly and affectionate towards one another. Biblical anger management is more than cloaking your rage it is the purposeful act of spreading joy and ease with the words we use.

By : Shannon Munford M.A.