Levo
Bible verses for anger
When I'm about to blow up
The lie
I have a right to this. They made me do it.
The truth
Your anger won't produce the outcome God wants. He is slow to anger and full of love toward you, even on your worst day. Let that be what the people around you see.
More truth
- Your kids, your spouse, the driver in front: none of them is the enemy.
- Anger gets you obedience for a moment. Patience wins trust for years.
- You can't give patience you haven't received. Receive His first.
Pause
Stop before you speak. Lower your voice, don't raise it. Unclench your hands. Breathe. The person in front of you is not your enemy.
My verses
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold.
He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.
Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Pray
Father, I'm about to lose it. You've been patient with me every single day. Give me that patience right now. Calm my voice, slow me down, and help me see what's really going on in this person, not just what they did. Amen.
Your way out
- Step away for 60 seconds. Say: "I need a minute. I'll be right back."
- Lower your voice and slow down your words.
- With kids: get down to their eye level and speak quietly.
- Deal with the issue later, once you're calm.
- If you already snapped, go back and say sorry, without excuses.
If it's getting out of control
If you're scared of what you might do, or someone is scared of you, leave the room or the house now and put distance between you. This is not a moment for verses alone. Call someone.
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Pro Juventute 147
For children and young people. Also WhatsApp and chat at 147.ch, and if someone threatens to share your pictures. Any time.
Somewhere else? Call your local emergency number, or find a free helpline for your country at findahelpline.com.
Look underneath
Anger often sits on top of something else: tiredness, fear, hurt, or feeling disrespected. Ask what's underneath, and bring that to God too.
The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
Go deeper: Slow to anger
Five days in the Bible on this, one passage a day.
- Jonah's anger Jonah 4:1-11
- Quick to listen James 1:19-21
- Before the sun goes down Ephesians 4:25-32
- How He treats you Psalm 103:8-14
- What to put on Colossians 3:12-17