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Dr. Robert D. Jones, Professor of Biblical Counseling and Practical Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, gives us a 12 minute video that succinctly, wisely, and biblically unpacks the issue of anger in our hearts. He explains that, based on his research, 100% of us have an anger issue. This percentage "doubles" when we are married and have kids! It is a real issue for all of us.

He begins by answering the question: Was Jesus angry? Afterward, he gets into the practical portion of the message - how should I deal with my anger?

But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.” (Johan 4:9 ESV)

Dealing with anger, necessarily involves identifying the root of it. Anger resides in the heart. In the heart are desires. When those desires become demands, we put ourselves above others and erupt. Unholy anger is a response from the heart based on false beliefs.

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. (James 4:1-2 ESV)

Finally, Dr. Jones answers the question - Why should I deal with anger? He gives both a practical and biblical answer. Biblically, anger grieves the Holy Spirit and exposes the parts of us that we have not humbled before God.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:30-32 ESV)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)

Let the Word of God transform your heart, and let the Holy Spirit shape the responses you make. Lean into faith, not frustration. Live in peace, and not conflict. Enjoy the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5)!

Dr. Jones has written two books on anger:

(1) Anger Calming Your Heart (2019)

(2) Uprooting Anger: Biblical Help for a Common Problem (2005)