Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #13 — Anger

Picture: Counsel #13 — Anger CI 142.1

If you’re being honest with yourself, anger has gotten the best of you more times than you’d like to admit. Maybe it happened after a long day when your patience was worn thin and someone said the wrong thing. The point is, the temptation to react, raise your voice, or say something hurtful is real. CI 142.2

If this describes you, know that true biblical masculinity isn’t about allowing your anger to dictate your actions. It’s about practicing self-restraint despite provocation. Think of the story of Moses. He was Israel’s leader, chosen by God. But when Israel complained, he struck the rock in angry frustration instead of speaking to it—as God had directed.^[153] He disobeyed, dishonoring God, and faced serious consequences. Even great men struggle with anger, but as a Christian man, God holds you to a higher standard. For example, Jesus faced betrayal, mockery, and even crucifixion, yet He chose silence, mercy, and forgiveness. He didn’t lash out; instead, He prayed, “Father, forgive them.” That’s the standard: strength, self-control, and grace. Embodying this kind of self-restraint is not easy, but Spirit-led men will always ask God to calm the storm inside before speaking into the world around them. Anger might rise, but it doesn’t have to reign.^[154] CI 142.3

"Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." James 1:19 NIV CI 142.4

“How Satan exults when he is enabled to set the soul into a white heat of anger!” Ellen White in Our High Calling, p. 235 CI 142.5

Reflect: Whose temperament in Scripture does yours resemble? CI 142.6