Everybody gets angry at some point or another. However, there are ways we can process our anger in a productive manner. Here are five steps for moving from anger to positive, loving action.
1. Consciously acknowledge to yourself that you are angry.
Say the words out loud. “I am angry about this! Now what am I going to do?” Such a statement makes you aware of your own anger and also helps you recognize both your anger and the action you are going to take. You have set the stage for applying reason to your anger.
2. Restrain your immediate response.
Avoid the common but destructive responses: verbal or physical venting, or their opposite, withdrawal and silence.
3. Locate the focus of your anger.
What words or actions by the other person have made you experience anger? Whatever the cause of your anger, locate it. If the person has truly wronged you, identify the person’s sin. How has he or she wronged you? Then determine the seriousness of the offense. Some wrongs are minor, and some are major. Knowing its seriousness should affect your response.
4. Analyze your options.
The response should be positive and loving. The two most constructive options are to lovingly confront the person or to consciously decide to overlook the matter.
5. Take constructive action.
If you choose to “let the offense go,” then express this decision to God. Confess your anger and your willingness to turn the person over to the righteous and just God. Then release your anger to Him. If you choose to lovingly confront the person who has wronged you, do so gently. Listen to any explanation; it can give you a different perspective on the person’s actions and intentions. If the person admits that what he or she did was wrong and asks you to forgive, do so.
Tags: anger, conflict resolution
![[Valid RSS]](images/valid-rss-rogers.png "Validate my RSS feed")