Anger Management (Sermon Blog)
This week, we wrapped up our Those Red Letters series, where we’ve been looking at the powerful and often challenging words of Jesus. In this final message, we tackled a topic that hits home for every person: anger.
As Dallas Willard once said, “Anger is a fundamental problem in human life.” The issue isn’t whether or not you get angry — we all do. The question is how you handle it.
What Did Jesus Say About Anger?
In Matthew 5:21-22 (NIV), Jesus raised the bar beyond the Old Testament law:
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
Jesus wasn’t just talking about murder — He was getting to the heart issue behind it: anger. He warned against name-calling, insults, and the kind of bitterness that leads to broken relationships.
How Do We Manage Anger Well?
Here are four practical, biblical steps we can take:
1️⃣ Take Responsibility for Your Anger
No excuses. It’s easy to blame our background, personality, or other people, but the truth is — anger is a choice.
Common excuses people use:
“That’s just how I’m wired.”
“It runs in my family.”
“You made me angry.”
Ephesians 4:31 (NIV) reminds us:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
We have to own it before we can manage it.
2️⃣ Repair the Relational Damage
Jesus valued relationships so deeply that He said in Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV):
“If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there… First go and be reconciled to them.”
Anger rarely happens in a vacuum — it affects others. It’s on us to take the first step toward reconciliation, even if we feel it’s mostly the other person’s fault.
3️⃣ Get Honest About What Triggers You
Knowing what makes you angry is key to managing it. Is it being disrespected? Politics? Social media? Personal insecurities?
Take time to identify your triggers and avoid situations (or even doomscrolling!) that fuel your anger unnecessarily. And if you can't figure it out on your own — talk to a counselor or trusted friend.
4️⃣ Practice Forgiveness
Jesus made it clear: forgiveness isn’t optional. It’s a command for our good.
In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive. Jesus replied:
“I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Forgiving someone doesn’t mean what they did was okay. It means you’re choosing to release yourself from the prison of resentment.
Pro Tip: Start by praying for the person who hurt you. It might feel unnatural at first, but over time it softens your heart and allows God to heal you.
5️⃣ Learn to Be Unoffendable
So much of our anger comes from a sense of entitlement. The idea that people owe us respect, kindness, or fairness. Jesus, however, was the most unoffendable person who ever lived.
No matter what people said or did, He kept loving them. We’re called to do the same.
As James 1:19-20 (NIV) says:
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
What’s Your Next Step?
Anger isn’t something we can afford to ignore. It hurts us, damages our relationships, and keeps us from living in the peace God desires for us.
So — what’s your next step?
Admit you’ve got an anger issue.
Have an honest conversation with someone you trust.
Start praying about it.
Get help if you need it.
The good news is — you don’t have to manage it alone. God is with you, and He wants to help.
Join Us Next Sunday!
We hope you’ve been encouraged by Those Red Letters. Next week, we’re launching a brand new series called When In Romans — a fresh look at one of the most powerful letters in the Bible.
Join us in person or online and bring a friend!