How to deal with anger biblically
“Be angry without sinning. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the devil any opportunity to work.” – Ephesians 4:26-27 (God’s Word Version)
The Book of Ephesians is a book of promises, but it also contains vital warnings. It addresses our fleshly desires in Chapter 5 and the spiritual warfare against them in Chapter 6; however, it also defines our identity in Christ—who we truly are—in Chapters 1 and 2. It is a versatile and well-rounded Epistle to read if you want to understand who you are, what you are called to do, how to walk with God, the battles you will face, and ultimately, the victory that comes from one choice: believing in Jesus Christ.
While it is no secret that everyone wants victory (you don’t have to be a believer to desire that), true victory requires acknowledging that opposition, struggles, and hardships will come. You cannot be victorious without the "gusts of wind" that try to push you back. There are things God wants you to accomplish in life, and while you may think the biggest “opportunity for Satan to work” is through external fighting, it might actually be his attempt to make you believe the path should be easy. Satan lies—and the idea that a life fulfilling God’s will should be easy is exactly that: a lie.
The context of this Scripture is that anger, when not dealt with by the end of the day, is not only sinful but provides an opportunity for Satan to gain a foothold in your life. We all face anger, but in what ways is Satan actively working on you? Are you frustrated because a plan didn’t work out? Perhaps everything looked perfect, and now you face the choice to blame God, yourself, or Satan. You feel confused and upset. That is understandable, but you may not realize that you don't have the luxury of seeing “around the corner.” Because your vision is limited, your perspective is skewed. Satan has been given an opportunity to work through your frustration.
Are you acting against your character because of something that happened? You feel betrayed, so you feel you must "get them back." While it may not be physical or anything you deem “crazy,” you still intend to inflict pain in some way. That is anger; that is an opportunity for Satan to work. You must acknowledge that you are opening the door for him—and when he finds an open door, he works very hard.
How Do I Fight Against This?
Faith: Everyone faces “angry moments.” Anger dealt with swiftly is like wet concrete that is easily rinsed off. Anger dealt with slowly is like concrete that has begun to set. It hardens in your heart and stays on you, because what is inside you will eventually come out. “Your mouth says what comes from inside you.” – Matthew 12:34b (GW). Faith gives you the ability to act now, not later.
The Word: Many people wrestle with thoughts like, “I don’t know what to read,” or “I don’t understand the Word; I’m not a priest.” The truth is simple: you read the Bible to find what you can apply to your daily life. When you get stuck on a passage about the necessity of forgiveness, that is God speaking. That is Him telling you to remove grudges and heal. But what if the concrete has already hardened? You need water. Jesus, speaking of His Church (you), said: “...that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26). You need to read the Word—no ifs, ands, or buts. Make the time; end of story.
Patience: Satan loves to work through us when we allow him to. He knows impatience creates the breeding ground for sin to dominate our lives. Instead of reacting in anger: watch, learn, and listen. What is really going on? Is it truly as devastating as you think? Compare anger to a moving box: it’s folded into place, things are stored inside, and it’s taped shut. You need to unpack that box. Sometimes you are upset over gossip or a simple misunderstanding, and Satan tricks you into avoiding prayer and the Word. You find yourself impatient and acting as if you know everything—following Satan’s desire to be like God rather than Christ’s desire to submit to God (Isaiah 14:14).
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” – Ephesians 6:16 (KJV)
A Prayer for Strength
Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I ask that You help me. If I am not in this struggle right now, help me remember this when I am. Help me leave anger where it should be: behind me. Help me to forgive because it is what You want, not just because of how I feel. Holy Spirit, empower me to actively live my faith by renewing my mind and saying, “I am letting this go today.” God, change me into what You want me to be. I submit myself to Your will and Your position on forgiveness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.