Dealing With Anger
Dealing with Anger
Bro. Timothy Ting | 1 June 2025 | Matthew 5:21–26 (NKJV)
In this part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expands on the commandment “You shall not murder” by addressing a deeper issue—anger. While murder is clearly condemned in the Law, Jesus warns that even harboring anger without cause, insulting others, or calling someone a fool makes one liable to divine judgment. He shows that sin begins in the heart, not just in action. The seriousness of verbal insults and internal malice is equal to that of physical violence in the eyes of God.
Jesus teaches that reconciliation must come before worship. If we know someone has something against us, we are called to pause our offering to God and first seek peace with that person. Anger left unresolved can escalate and lead to spiritual and relational destruction. He urges us to agree with our adversaries quickly, demonstrating humility and a desire for peace rather than pride or control. Jesus does not call us to compromise on sin just to settle disputes, but He does emphasize the importance of reconciliation.
The Bible distinguishes between man’s traditions, which can be faulty and subjective, and God’s written word, which is authoritative and unchanging (2 Timothy 3:15–17). Jesus clarifies that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill its deeper meaning—calling us to examine our hearts, not just our external actions.
From the Old Testament, the story of Cain and Abel illustrates how jealousy and pride, if not checked, can spiral into uncontrollable anger. God warned Cain to master his emotions, but Cain allowed his resentment to grow and ended up murdering his brother. This shows that uncontrolled anger leads to devastating consequences, and God holds us accountable not just for what we do, but for what we feel and say.
The Bible consistently teaches that anger should be handled with care. Verses like James 1:19-20 remind us to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath," because human anger does not produce the righteousness of God. Likewise, 1 John 3:15 states that hating your brother is akin to murder, and such a person does not have eternal life.
Jesus doesn’t say that all anger is sin—righteous anger exists, but it must not lead to sin (Ephesians 4:26). He warns us against letting anger linger and turn into hatred, bitterness, or revenge. Anger should never be a tool for control or manipulation.
So how can we manage anger in a godly way? The sermon provided practical tools:
Identify your triggers
Talk to someone
Practice breathing or muscle relaxation
Exercise or take a walk
Step away from heated situations
Reframe your thinking
More importantly, Jesus offers a heart solution: pursue mercy, seek reconciliation quickly, and surrender your emotions to God. This reflects the love God expects from His children.
In conclusion, while anger is a very human emotion, God provides us the tools to manage it. Through Scripture, spiritual guidance, and the example of Christ, we can learn to control our temper, forgive others, and pursue peace. If left unchecked, anger can destroy relationships and our walk with God. But if submitted to Him, it can be transformed into an opportunity for growth and grace.
Key Takeaways:
Anger is serious: Even if unspoken or hidden, anger and insults can make us liable to God's judgment.
God values reconciliation: He wants us to make peace with others before presenting our offerings to Him.
Uncontrolled anger is dangerous: It leads to resentment, broken relationships, and even sin.
Righteous anger exists, but must not give way to sin or prolonged resentment.
Practical tools and God’s Word help us manage anger—through self-control, spiritual awareness, and humility.
Reconciliation > Being Right: Seeking peace and restoring relationships matter more than winning arguments.
God’s solution is salvation: Through Jesus, we can be transformed and live lives that reflect God’s love and mercy—even in anger.
