The Bible speaks of two kinds of anger: righteous and unrighteous. It also says there are two wrong reactions to sinful anger: blowing up or clamming up. When we blow up because of anger, we use the “shotgun method” which takes out everyone in its path. By clamming up, we suppress the anger, which slowly eats away our soul. Both responses are directed toward people and not the issues.

Which way do you choose to release your anger? Do you attack the problem or do you attack the person?

We will not be able to escape the emotions of anger because of this sinful world and our sinful nature. Our wrong response to anger will never achieve what is best for us and for others. A by-product of exploding is the loss of friends and relationships. The result of holding it in is the infliction of added stress in their lives.

Those who blow up release the anger, but not under control, whereas, those who clam up control their anger but do not release. The key to handling sinful anger is to release it, but under restraint, at the problem, not the person. We can use anger as a tool to fix problems and build relationships. Sin is what turns anger into an outburst that embarrasses or hurt others. Righteous anger is what the Lord Jesus used to confront and correct sin in the lives of the Scribes and Pharisees.

Ephesians 4:26 states “Be ye angry, and sin not: and let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” We are not to internalize anger over 24 hours, giving it time to build up and become overwhelming.

Those who blow up can control their anger if the person is important to them. How many times do they pick up the phone and speak kindly while shouting at a family member? Those who clam up can release their anger because they tell others about the situation; it is just not the right person.

The antidote for sinful anger is to love our neighbor as yourself. We need to see them as God’s creation and know He cares deeply for them. The Lord may be more at work in our heart than theirs for He may be trying to teach us patience, love, compassion, understanding, forgiveness or empathy.

Remember, if you do not control your anger, your anger will control you.

Steve Conwell, pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church, is heard mornings on WFLO and WVHL in “A Thought For Today.” His email address is SteveConwell@outlook.com.