A weapon can either protect or destroy; it all depends on who is using it. Anger works the same way; that’s why it’s good to learn what our particular triggers are. Some of the most common triggers surface at these times:

1) When our rights (or someone else’s) have been breached. Anger isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes the problem that infuriates us the most is the one God’s calling us to help solve. This world is a better place because of people who said ‘this isn’t right,’ and devoted their lives to fighting disease, poverty, corruption, and injustice. Anger prompted Jesus to purge the temple of extortionists, and cheating money lenders. The Bible says, ‘If you are angry, be sure that it is not out of wounded pride or bad temper…don’t give the devil that sort of foothold’ (Ephesians 4:26-27 PHPS).

2) When we’re frustrated because things aren’t going our way. A news report told the story of a man who went hunting on his mountain bike. When it broke, he got angry and shot it to pieces. That makes no sense! One author wrote that, ‘Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind.’

3) When we’re under constant stress. Paul writes, ‘Have a sane estimate of your capabilities’ (Romans 12:3 PHPS). By cramming too much activity into too little time, we set ourselves up for stress. Like a violin string that’s pulled tighter and tighter, we’ll eventually end up snapping. Then we’ll feel guilty and think we’re not good enough.

There’ll always be something to go wrong in life, so let’s try to anticipate challenges and allow time for the unexpected. And most importantly, ‘Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm.’

What Now?

Keep an anger diary for a few weeks – anytime something makes you feel angry, make a note of what it was. Keep looking back through it to see if you can spot your particular triggers. How could you turn your anger into a force for good in those situations?