Dealing with Anger, Bitterness or Resentment

1. Admit you are angry. Be honest with God. Don’t try to hide your genuine feelings from Him.

Hebrews 4:13

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Ephesians 4:26

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.

2. Discover why you are angry. God asked Cain, “Why are you wroth (angry)”

Genesis 4:6

So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry” And why has your countenance fallen?

3. Don’t let your emotions control you.

Proverbs 16:32

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Proverbs 14:29

He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.

4. Give your anger to God. Remember angry words stir up anger in others.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Psalm 37:7,8

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret--it only causes harm.

5. Forgive any others who have wronged you. Since God has forgiven you for what you have done to Him, ask Him to give you forgiveness for what others have done to you.

Ephesians 4:32

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forging one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Luke 11:4

And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Colossians 3:13

bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

6. Forgive yourself for being angry.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

7. Deal with anger quickly. Don’t let it accumulate. If you need to ask someone’s forgiveness, do it.

Ephesians 4:26

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.