Anger is a feeling of strong displeasure, hostility, or exasperation toward someone or something. Psychologists tell us it is a normal human emotion, though it can drive us to cause real pain and damage when it is not controlled. Even God is angry at the godlessness and wickedness of men (Romans 1:18). Daily life gives us plenty of triggers: disrespect from a subordinate at work, a quarrel with a sibling at home, a thoughtless word from a stranger. The question is not whether we will feel anger, but what we do in those short moments.

Too often we react quickly and regret it deeply. We make rash decisions and take drastic actions that satisfy the urge to respond but undermine the righteousness God wants from us, because "human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires" (James 1:20). Afterward, we are left with remorse. Thankfully, God gives us an antidote: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19). Slow down, listen first, and give the Holy Spirit room to respond through you. When you have failed, grace is available. Put away bitterness and rage, and forgive, "just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).