Anger doesn’t just hurt others, it harms us as well. Anger affects us physically and mentally. Anger can strain, and sometimes even destroy, our relationships. And holding on to anger can lead to even more conflict, as well as negative habits.

“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.” Mark Twain

It’s easy to get angry. And easy to stay angry. But that’s not going to help us in this life. We need to release our anger and let it go.

But how do we release our anger when we’re seething inside? How do we find the calm and ease when we’re set on edge?

First, we can try changing our words. We can aim for a gentler approach. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger,” King Solomon reminds us in Proverbs 15:1. Or perhaps we can remain silent and say nothing at all.

“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” Proverbs 29:11

Sometimes the best thing we can do is to walk away. Remove ourselves from the situation. If we stay, things may escalate.

“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” Proverbs 17:14

Cain and Abel were brothers who both brought an offering to God. God was pleased with Abel’s offering, but not with Cain’s. This made Cain angry. So angry that he killed his brother Abel.

“Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:6-7.

We must rule over it. We must be bigger than the anger inside of us. Or, as The Message version says, “You must master it before it masters you.” Anger mastered Cain. He was given the choice to do what was right, but he let anger win.

It’s so important that we don’t let this happen to us.

This week, let’s focus on releasing our anger. Let’s focus on speaking gently, or not at all. Let’s focus on peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus says, “for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9.

“My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things God wants done.”
- James 1:19-20 CEV

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