Dealing With Anger
QUESTION: Can religion help in dealing with anger?ANSWER:Religious commitment is helpful in dealing with anger. This fact is borne out by scientific and anecdotal evidence. Anger adversely affects our mental, physical, and social health and well-being. It is in our everyday lives that we must deal with the issue of anger.
Religiously-committed people are generally less stressed, less depressed, less suicidal, less likely to use drugs and alcohol, and are happier with their lives and marriages. Studies show they also live longer, with lower rates of high blood pressure, and enjoy better health. This health benefit is due in main to the sincerity and depth of their faith, and is not determined by the denomination they belong to.
A fulfilling personal relationship with God cannot be acquired by mere attendance at church, synagogue, or mosque. As our faith and spirituality grow, we can grow in the skills and godly traits required in dealing with anger. Those who have made God a part of their everyday life experience the richer benefits of true spirituality.
Faith in God provides a sense of individual purpose, peace, and hope in this chaotic and unhappy world. We become aware of God's infinite love and enjoy the blessings He gives each of us. We inherit the wonderful fruits of His Holy Spirit such as love, peace, patience, goodness, temperance, and joy.
We can choose to overcome anger. We are created with both human and spiritual natures. All of us have sinned; we all have our natural flaws and failures. When we yield our lives to Christ, His life-changing Spirit takes over and gives us the heart and the strength to change. His Spirit guides us, calms us, and heals us. We begin to live a transformed life. We can now live in victory over anger and its consequences!
Dealing with anger, whether it is our own or someone else's, must be done with calm, patience, practice, and love. We must not hesitate to ask for help, whether it is from a trusted friend, clergyman, or the Lord. Anger must be controlled!
Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
