Strategies for Overcoming Sinful Anger
Up to this point, I have sought to define anger from a Biblical perspective, uncover its roots and explore how it manifests in the Christian life. The last vital question to ask is, “What the heck can we do about it?”
The answer to this is perfectly simple…though it is far from easy. As Christians we aren’t seeking out emotional regulation and behavioral redirection. Do we want these things? Absolutely! However, we want these things to come not merely by pruning the fruit on the tree, but by digging out the rotten root and applying the healing balm of the Gospel to it. It is only by laying our sinful anger down at the foot of the cross and seeking to glorify and obey God with our anger that we stand a chance to grow in the self-control to which we are called.
But again I ask, “What the heck can we do about it?”
1. Repent of Idols and Root Desires
Anger often exposes what we worship. The next time that you feel angry, question it. Go to the Lord first and prayer and ask Him to show you what is going on. Ask the Spirit to reveal to you the deeper why of your anger. Like a toddler asking their parent a thousand times, we must be cautious in assuming that we do well to be angry. Are you angry because your will has been violated or because God’s Will has been? If it is not clearly the latter then there is an idol that needs to be excavated. Naming and repenting of those idols—control, respect, comfort—is absolutely essential.
“You desire and do not have, so you murder…” — James 4:2
2. Cultivate the Spiritual Disciplines
Prayer – Slow your spirit before God (James 1:19–20)
Bible Reading – Let Scripture reshape your desires.
Fasting – Break your dependence on comfort and develop self-control.
These disciplines open your heart to the Spirit’s work and keep you rooted in truth. If you look back at the past few weeks and realize that you haven’t been in Scripture, prayer, community, worship, etc as fervently as you should have been, repent! Turn back to your first love and seek the Lord where He shall be found. This lack of faithfulness and diligence on your part probably exposes that your anger is not rooted in the righteousness of Christ, but the demands of the Flesh.
3. Seek Biblical Community
Sanctification happens in relationship. Fellow believers are called by God to:
Hold you accountable
Encourage repentance
Model patient responses
Bear your burdens
Pray with and for you
“Bear one another’s burdens…” — Galatians 6:2
4. Practice Gospel-Fueled Forgiveness
We forgive because we have been forgiven (Eph. 4:32). This posture protects us from bitterness and anger.
5. Train in Righteous Anger
Anger isn’t only to be avoided—it must be tamed, submitted to Christ and trained toward the heart and mind of Christ.
Closing Thought:
Anger is a powerful emotion. It can destroy—but through Christ, it can also build up, restore, and reflect God’s holiness. The Gospel doesn’t just help us manage anger—it redeems it for God’s glory.
