Is Anger Good for You?

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29

This week’s video looked closely at Good 4 u, a song that is all about anger. I stated in the video that the anger needed to go somewhere and a song was an acceptable place for that. I stand by that. However, we do need to look at when to be angry and when anger becomes a problem.

James 1:19-21
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

We see there not that anger is bad but needs to be thought out. We are not called to jump to conclusions and become insanely anger at the smallest things. But rather to be aware and understanding of others.

Here are the lyrics to the song Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger by Hangnail
When we start to fight and you play your stupid games
The frustration sets in and I just can't think straight
I know that tomorrow will bring a new day
We'll be friends 'till the end, but it won't last that long
What is there to fear, when tomorrow brings a new day?
Don't let the sun go down on your anger
When morning brings the sun, I feel better than before
Though last night went all wrong, I can't dwell upon that
If we can't work it out then I will take the blame
We'll be right where we were, another fight's all the same

This is inspired directly from Ephesians 4:25-27
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.

This shows us the desired response to the anger, working through the issues without sinning or giving the devil a chance to make things worse.

We also see other, less direct, ways to deal with anger. Taking it straight back to God and asking Him to help with it.

Philippians 4:6-7
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, where does anger often come from? Fear. In the case of Good 4 u we see this anger from the breakup, but isn’t that the fear of moving on? It could also be a fear of missing out. Either way, God did not create us to fear or act from anger.

2 Timothy 1:7
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.