Background
Anger is something that is commonplace in the Bible. Bible characters express their frustration in various situations. The Bible highlights various individuals who struggle with anger in different ways. While a lot of these characters offer useful advice and insight, some of these examples actually show the dangers of giving in to anger.
There are also characters in the Bible who, while they do get angry, are ultimately able to show restraint to their temper and be a positive influence in their given situations. These individuals offer a useful case study around the subject of anger and offer useful insight into how to deal with anger productively.
Examples From the Bible
The Bible is full of examples of characters who struggle with anger. Moses is a key example, who expressed his anger in various situations. From being so frustrated with the people under his leadership that he hit a rock, to leading the people in song to sing down the walls of Jericho, Moses struggles to control his anger. In the book of Numbers, we see how God deals with those who anger him, when 14,700 people die as a result of a plague.
Job is another example of someone who struggles with their anger. Job is frustrated with his afflictions and rails at God’s unjust treatment. He also speaks intemperately to his friends and explodes against God, claiming that his afflictions are unjust and cruel.
David is another character who is known for his anger. Despite his many triumphs, David makes a misstep with his anger, leading to his son Absalom’s death. He expresses his sorrow through his words and moves us with his sorrow and anger. He also expresses his anger with God, wondering why God has forsaken him.
Effects
Anger can have a significant effect on our lives, both in the short and long term. In the short term, anger can lead to destructive behaviour, with individuals lashing out and behaving badly. This can have negative consequences on both the individual and people in their vicinity. In the long run, anger can have detrimental effects, as it can lead to people causing harm to themselves and others. People who struggle with anger need to be aware of these effects and find healthier ways to express their emotions.
Anger can also lead to poor decision making, which can be dangerous in certain scenarios. The Bible is full of examples of individuals who let their anger lead them astray, with disastrous consequences. Job, for example, expresses his anger to his friends and his own wife, leading to further stress and suffering. David’s anger leads to Absalom’s death, leading to David’s own suffering and grief.
At the same time, there are some examples of individuals whose anger leads to positive outcomes. Moses, for example, is able to compose beautiful music, which leads to the walls of Jericho falling. Similarly, Job is able to take his anger and make a very powerful statement to his friends.
Dealing With Anger
Anger is a very powerful emotion and it is important to be aware of how to deal with it in healthy ways. Some advice offered in the Bible is to be still, to remain silent and to refrain from speaking out in anger. These are useful strategies to employ when feeling overwhelmed by anger. Another useful technique is to find an outlet that can provide release and allow individuals to vent their anger in a more productive way.
The Bible also advises us to be slow to anger and to not let it fester. This advice is important, as it can help individuals to move on from a situation with greater clarity and understanding. Finally, it is important to try and forgive in order to move on from a situation. The Bible suggests that if we are able to forgive, we will be able to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
Conclusion
Anger is a powerful emotion and it can lead to destructive behaviour. To avoid such consequences, it is important to be aware of the triggers of anger and how to manage it in a productive way. The Bible is full of examples of characters who struggled with anger and how it affected their lives. These examples offer important insight into how to deal with anger, and provide useful advice on how to find productive outlets and forgiveness.
Addressing Mistakes
It is important to acknowledge and address any mistakes that have been made in a situation that has caused anger. Accepting responsibility for our actions, and admitting when we have made a mistake, can go a long way in averting further conflict and allowing the situation to de-escalate. The examples in the Bible demonstrate the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and the consequences that can ensue if we do not.
David, for example, is forced to confront his mistake of not handling the situation with Absalom well. He is forced to accept that he caused his own grief and is held to account for his actions. Similarly, in the book of Job, God is quick to point out the mistakes the people have made, and shows how we can learn from our mistakes and put them in the past.
Finding Empathy
One of the key messages of the Bible is to show empathy towards others. People in anger can often become self-involved and forget to take into consideration the other person’s perspective. It is important to be mindful of the fact that everyone is dealing with their own issues, and being able to empathise with them can help to de-escalate the situation.
David, for example, is able to empathise with the fact that his son has made the same mistake he has made. He is able to show understanding and forgiveness, and this ultimately leads to peace in the kingdom. The book of Job also shows how God is able to empathise with Job, despite the unjust suffering he has had to endure.
Expressing Emotions Appropriately
Expressing our emotions in an appropriate way is important in order to effectively manage our anger. The Bible contains some excellent advice for expressing emotions constructively, such as using measured words and being sensitive to the other person’s feelings. It is also important to be aware of body language and facial expressions, as these can often give away our true feelings more than words can.
The example of David is particularly useful in this regard, as he is able to express his grief over Absalom’s death in a way that shows great restraint and sensitivity. Similarly, in the book of Job, God uses wisdom and understanding when speaking to Job, to help him work through his suffering.
Taking Control
It is important to remember that anger does not have to lead to bad outcomes. The examples of individuals in the Bible who were able to manage their anger show that it is possible to control our emotions and use them in a constructive way.
David, for example, is able to use his anger in a very constructive way, writing a beautiful song that express his sorrow in a very powerful way. Job is also able to take his anger and use it to make a powerful statement to his friends, showing strength and determination.
Summary
The Bible is full of examples of individuals who struggle with anger. From Moses and Job, to David and Absalom, these characters demonstrate the highs and lows of dealing with anger. These examples offer useful insight into how to manage anger in a productive way, and offer useful advice on dealing with mistakes, finding empathy, expressing emotions appropriately and taking control of anger.
