Anger is a real emotion. The Bible doesn't dismiss it but commands self-control — 'be ye angry, and sin not' (Ephesians 4:26). These verses are for the moment when anger flares.
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”
Anger permitted; sin in anger is not.
“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
Slow to wrath.
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Soft answer disarms.
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Self-control greater than military victory.
“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.”
Hasty anger lodges in fools.
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy.”
Put off — like clothing.
Recognize anger. Pause. Pray. Don't speak immediately. Don't let the sun go down (Ephesians 4:26). Confess if you sinned. Anger usually points to something deeper.
Anger itself is not condemned (even Jesus was angry). But it easily leads to sin. Ephesians 4:26-27 — 'be ye angry, and sin not.' James 1:19 — 'slow to wrath.' Proverbs 16:32 — self-control is greater than conquering a city.
Not necessarily. Anger that sins is sin. Anger at injustice driving righteous action can be holy. The test: self-righteous reaction or Spirit-led response?
(1) Recognize quickly. (2) Pause. (3) Pray. (4) Address root causes. (5) Confess when sinned. (6) Practice 'soft answer.' (7) Don't let it linger. (8) Walk by the Spirit.