6 Ways Jesus Dealt With Anger

Anger is an emotion we all deal with in our personal, professional and romantic lives. And it's not always easy figuring out the best way to deal with out anger. When we face these difficult challenges, there is someone we have the ability to turn to: Jesus Christ. Jesus is not only the best psychologist, but He is also the best moral teacher. He understands anger and He also understands how to deal with being criticized or mistreated. In the Sermon on the Mount, He goes over His fundamental teaching on anger, contempt and how to deal with interpersonal conflict. Jesus’ way with dealing with anger is quite different than what we think today. If we begin to deal with anger in the way Jesus taught and modeled, we’ll begin to live more and more in God’s peace. The way of Jesus helps us to forgive, find security and strength in God’s love, resolve relationship conflicts and be a blessing to others, even those who are difficult. But if we are looking at the way Jesus dealt with anger, it’s important that we’re careful in our interpretations of what Jesus is saying and not saying because He is often misunderstood. Here are six ways Jesus dealt with anger.

He Turned it Into a Teachable Moment

Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged…First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1,5). When someone has a speck in their eye it hurts. They need help getting it out. But you’re not in a position to help when you have a log in your own eye. Usually, when we’re angry we have a log in our own eye that needs to be dealt with. Get help understanding and overcoming the issues in your life – like control, self-righteousness and unforgiveness – that arouse anger. After this, you will be able to see clearly and act compassionately.

He Didn’t Seek Revenge

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Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:44-45). Jesus call us to share God’s generosity and to not seek revenge when mistreated. If we continue to give in to angry feelings and justify them, the next thing we often do is act on them and get even. Jesus’ point here is to not seek revenge. God is gracious with us, so we should be gracious to others. We have the opportunity to treat conflict and injustice as an opportunity for God to bring out the best in you. Too often, we allow conflict and injustice to bring out the worst in us.

He Addressed Anger in Love

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We learn from Jesus that it’s important to not let anger control us. We are called to address anger in love. Jesus said, “I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there, remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary” (Matthew 5:22-2). Here, Jesus is not saying that the emotion of anger is sinful. He is saying that anger is dangerous and to be careful. One great way to deal with anger is to be the first one to say “I’m sorry” or to offer empathy and compassion. While this may not be fair, you should do it anyway because God does it for you. We have the power to “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

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