Alleviating Present Anger:

Dealing with anger in the moment requires a biblical, practical approach. These steps help us address and manage our anger, so it doesn't control us or damage our relationships. By acknowledging and understanding our anger, and bringing it before God, we can find peace and respond with grace.

1. Acknowledge Your Anger (Proverbs 28:13)

The first step in alleviating anger is to acknowledge it. Denying or suppressing anger only leads to it being internalized, which can cause more harm later. Recognize and admit when you’re angry, without making excuses for the emotion. Acknowledging your anger is the beginning of understanding its source and taking responsibility for how you handle it.

Scripture Reference:

• “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13, NIV)

2. Ascertain Your Style (Psalm 26:2)

We all have unique ways of expressing anger, whether it's through silence, outbursts, sarcasm, or passive-aggressiveness. Ask God to help you understand how you express anger. Knowing your "anger style" helps you take control of it before it escalates.

Scripture Reference:

• “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.” (Psalm 26:2, NIV)

3. Assess the Source (1 Chronicles 29:17)

Anger often arises from deeper sources such as unmet expectations, fear, pride, or past wounds. Take time to assess where your anger is coming from. Is it the immediate situation, or is there a deeper issue at play? Identifying the true source can help you address the root cause of the anger.

Scripture Reference:

• “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent, and now I have seen with joy how willing your people who are here have given to you.” (1 Chronicles 29:17, NIV)

4. Appraise Your Thinking (Proverbs 21:29)

Our thoughts influence our feelings and actions. If we dwell on negative thoughts or injustices, they can fuel our anger. Evaluate your thoughts when you're angry. Are they focused on truth, or are they distorted by bitterness, self-pity, or revenge?

Scripture Reference:

• “The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways.” (Proverbs 21:29, NIV)

5. Admit Your Needs (Philippians 4:19)

Sometimes, anger comes from a place of feeling needy—whether that need is for recognition, comfort, control, or validation. Admit your needs before God, and trust that He is your Provider. He will supply all that you need, including the grace to handle your anger.

Scripture Reference:

• “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NIV)

6. Abandon Your Demands (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Anger often comes from demanding things be a certain way—whether it’s our expectations of others or of life itself. We must release those demands and trust God’s sovereignty. When we surrender control to God, we can experience peace in our hearts, even when things don’t go our way.

Scripture Reference:

• “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV)

7. Address Your Anger (Proverbs 25:15)

Anger, left unchecked, can cause destruction. Address it directly by taking time to cool down and approach the situation with wisdom. In some cases, simply waiting before reacting can prevent sinful anger. Seek God’s wisdom on how to address the situation calmly and effectively.

Scripture Reference:

• “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” (Proverbs 25:15, NIV)

8. Alter Your Attitudes (Philippians 2:2–8)

Anger often stems from selfishness or a lack of humility. The Bible calls us to adopt the attitude of Christ—humble, gentle, and sacrificial. Ask God to transform your attitude, allowing you to respond with grace and patience. When we humble ourselves, anger loses its power over us.

Scripture Reference:

• “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:2–4, NIV)

• “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:5–7, NIV)

Final Thought:

Anger, when managed biblically, can be an opportunity for growth and healing rather than destruction. By acknowledging and addressing our anger, evaluating its sources, and aligning our attitudes with Christ’s, we can alleviate anger in the present and avoid its negative consequences. Remember, God is always with us to provide the strength and wisdom needed to navigate our emotions.

Choose peace over anger, trust over control, and humility over pride, knowing that God will help you overcome your anger and transform your heart.