Slow To Anger

   One of the most challenging verses and Christian responsibilities in all Scripture is found in James 1:19, where God instructs us to be “slow to anger.”  Scripture does not say to never, ever be angry (cf. Eph. 4:26), but God clearly directs us to be slow to get there.  In other verses, we read of the Lord’s expectations for us to exercise self-control (Gal. 5:22-23; 2 Pet. 1:5-7), to be “temperate in all things” (1 Cor. 9:27; cf. Tit. 2:2), etc.

So, how?  How can I be “slow to anger”?  This is not just some academic exercise in this article; this is a real need in the lives of all Christians today to master their tempers and control their anger.  The most practical sections in all of Scripture for children of God today (the book of Proverbs, the book of James and the 12th chapter of Romans) give us divine insight into how to successfully slow our anger.

The book of Proverbs states, “A quick-tempered man acts foolishly” (14:17), but “he who is slow to anger is better than the mighty” (16:32).  Inspiration then reveals these insights:  “The discretion (good sense, ESV) of a man makes him slow to anger” (19:11).  The “glory” of the one who is “slow to anger” “is to overlook a transgression” (19:11).  “He who restrains his lips is wise” (10:19).  “The slow to anger calms a dispute” (15:18, NASB), “quiets contention” (ESV).

Romans 12 presents the practical responsibilities of the one who is “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (v. 1).  Putting these principles of Romans 12 into practice will enable a faithful Christian to be slow to anger:  Do not think of self “more highly than [you] ought to think” (v. 3).  “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another…continuing steadfastly in prayer…bless and do not curse…Be of the same mind toward one another…Do not be wise in your own opinion…Repay no one evil for evil… live peaceably with all men…give place to wrath…overcome evil with good” (12:10-21).

The wonderfully practical book of James teaches us that “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” (1:20), therefore, anger ought to be very, VERY slow in developing in our hearts, as we “lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (1:21).  How can we do that?  “Be swift to hear.”  “Be…slow to speak” (1:19).  Be “peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits” (3:17).

How can I be “slow to anger”?  By letting God and His Word work on my heart, I can, with His help, slow my anger!

Eric