The Greek word for self-control is sophron meaning, “to be of a sound mind, sane, curbing one's desires and impulses, temperate.” With just one fit of rage, our witness to our family, friends, community, and most importantly unbelievers, that God is in control can be tarnished. 5:22) love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Or, do we explode with a temper tantrum during adversity? Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Pheelings MediaĪre we able to show restraint and respond with the fruit of the Spirit ( Gal. So let's look at why James warns us to be “slow to anger.” Repressed anger eats away at us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.Īnd yet, anger is a legitimate emotion that desires quick resolution. Uncontrolled raging anger makes us (and everyone around us) miserable. You can’t retrieve actions or words hurled in moments of anger. No question, frequent uncontrolled anger can damage your health.Īnxiety weighs down the heart.

Some people become so upset that it results in physical symptoms such as panic attacks, heart palpitations, sweating, high blood pressure, muscle tension, or tremors. Perhaps for the loss of a loved one, a troubled marriage, a devastating health diagnosis, infertility, or God not answering our prayers the way we want.Īnger can range from annoyance and strong displeasure, to actual hostility that could lead to violence and bodily harm. We failed the test, made a bad decision, or didn’t perform up to our own expectations. We also get anxious and mad when we feel out of control about occurrences (like a pandemic that we can’t change). Or, when the car won’t start, our spouse is critical, a prodigal makes bad choices, or our candidate loses. We may express it outwardly, for example, when someone says or does something we don’t appreciate. Undoubtedly, we’ve all experienced anger. Anger invades our public, and even private, discourse.Īnd we shake our heads asking, “Why is everyone so angry?” Contesting voices deluge the airways and media. Even 'peaceful' protests seem fueled by anger. The news is full of rioting, burning, and looting in the streets. Our nation seems to be teetering on what some call a revolt or revolution.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

What is another word for slow to anger